inquire

[ in-kwahyuhr ]

verb (used without object)

, in·quired, in·quir·ing.

1. to seek information by questioning; ask:

   to inquire about a person.

   Synonyms: query, examine, investigate

2. to make investigation (usually followed by into ):

   to inquire into the incident.

   Synonyms: query, examine, investigate

verb (used with object)

, in·quired, in·quir·ing.

1. to seek to learn by asking:

   to inquire a person's name.

   Synonyms: query, examine, investigate

2. Obsolete. to seek.
3. Obsolete. to question (a person).

verb phrase

1. to ask about the state of health or condition of:

   Friends have been calling all morning to inquire after you.

inquire

/ ɪnˈkwaɪə /

verb

1. 1. to seek information; ask

      she inquired about rates of pay

      she inquired his age

   2. foll by of to ask (a person) for information

      I'll inquire of my aunt when she is coming

2. introften foll byinto to make a search or investigation

Derived Forms

• inˈquirer, noun

Other Words From

• in·quir·a·ble adjective
• in·quir·er noun
• re·in·quire verb reinquired reinquiring
• un·in·quired adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inquire¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Latin inquīrere “to seek for” ( in- ², query ); replacing Middle English enqueren, from Old French enquerre, from Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of inquire¹

C13: from Latin inquīrere from in- ² + quaerere to seek

Synonym Study

Inquire, ask, question imply that a person addresses another to obtain information. Ask is the general word: to ask what time it is. Inquire is more formal and implies asking about something specific: to inquire about a rumor. To question implies repetition and persistence in asking; it often applies to legal examinationor investigation: to question the survivor of an accident. Sometimes it implies doubt: to question a figure, an account.

Example Sentences

As Valadez and her staff calmly processed ballots Wednesday, an angry man from North Dakota called to inquire about what’s taking so long.

From Los Angeles Times

"Whenever you receive such a call, don’t be scared. You should be aware that no investigative agency never inquires like this through a phone call or a video call," he said.

From BBC

Rios did not respond to a request for comment, but he removed the campaign posts from his Facebook account after The Times inquired about it with the archdiocese.

From Los Angeles Times

She has to knock out three episodes in a day, and she’s just welcomed her final guest, a relationship coach who inquires about her book during their chat before recording.

From Los Angeles Times

The department currently bars officers from inquiring about a place of birth when interviewing victims, witnesses or people who are temporarily detained.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• examine
• inspect
• interrogate
• investigate

Inquire Vs. Enquire

What's the difference between inquire and enquire?

Inquire and enquire mean the same thing: to ask, to seek information, or to investigate. Enquire is a less common variant of inquire.

Their noun forms—inquiry and enquiry—also have the same meanings: a question, an investigation, a request for information, or the process of seeking information.

Both inquire and enquire are somewhat formal. Some speakers of British English may use both words, preferring inquire in contexts that are more formal. In the U.S., enquire is rarely used.

Here’s an example of inquire used correctly in a sentence.

Example: I’m calling to inquire about the open position.

Enquire could be used in this sentence in the same exact way.

Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between inquire and enquire.

Quiz yourself on inquire vs. enquire!

True or False?

Inquire and enquire have the same meaning.