inspector
inspector — noun
1. anyone given official authority to visit workplaces, schools, or building sites
anyone given official authority to visit workplaces, schools, or building sites to decide whether the conditions there follow the rules and meet the required standards.
Before buying the old house, Christopher hired a building inspector to check for any damage.
building inspector — noun + noun compound title
The health inspector visited the restaurant kitchen and found several problems with the food storage.
health inspector — common compound noun for food safety roles
School inspectors from the education department arrived without warning to observe lessons.
The factory shut down after a safety inspector found broken fire doors and blocked exits.
A building inspector must examine every new apartment before anyone can move in.
- examiner
focuses on testing knowledge or quality (exam papers, driving tests) rather than checking regulatory compliance
- auditor
specifically reviews financial records and accounts for accuracy; carries a formal, corporate register
- surveyor
specialises in examining buildings or land, often for valuation or insurance purposes
用法筆記
Frequently paired with a domain noun or adjective specifying the area of inspection: building inspector, health inspector, school inspector, safety inspector. The specific inspector title usually reflects the government department or regulatory body that employs them.
常見錯誤
2. a mid-level officer in the police who ranks between sergeant and captain or supe
a mid-level officer in the police who ranks between sergeant and captain or superintendent, and is usually responsible for directing detectives and managing major cases.
Detective Inspector Padma led the robbery investigation with a team of six officers.
Detective Inspector — specific rank title in UK / Commonwealth police forces
After five years as a sergeant, Minho finally passed the exam to become an inspector.
become an inspector — career progression from sergeant
The inspector interviewed every witness and wrote down all the details in a notebook.
An inspector in the police force usually oversees several teams of detectives and patrol officers.
Chief Inspector Gabriel oversaw the investigation from the police command centre.
- sergeant
lower rank; more involved in direct supervision of patrol officers and daily police work
- superintendent
higher rank; manages larger units, precincts, or districts
- captain
US equivalent of inspector in some police departments; rank above lieutenant
用法筆記
A police inspector outranks a sergeant but is below a superintendent (UK) or a captain (US). 'Detective Inspector' (DI) is a specific rank in the Criminal Investigation Department. 'Chief Inspector' is the next rank above inspector. Distinguish from sense 1 — if the context involves crime, suspects, or police hierarchy, the police-rank sense applies.