An investigation, inspection, or examination — checking into something to find facts or causes.
警察の調べで新しい証拠が見つかった。
New evidence was found in the police investigation.
もう少し詳しい調べが必要だ。
A little more detailed examination is necessary.
図書館で文献の調べをした。
I did research in the library.
A tune or melody — the musical line or tonal quality of a piece (often literary/poetic).
風の調べに耳を澄ます。
I listen carefully to the tune of the wind.
古い歌の調べが美しく響いた。
The melody of the old song sounded beautiful.