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

The letter inquired about the agency’s authority to investigate whether these tools discriminate, particularly against those with disabilities.

From MIT Technology Review

After Voice of San Diego inquired, MTS announced it would seek an independent review of its body camera policies.

From Voice of San Diego

They all looked at me with inquiring eyes, offended because I was “biting the hand that fed me.”

From Washington Blade

That turned into groups I hadn’t worked with previously inquiring about online campaigns, and by April and May, I actually had more demand than I did pre-Covid.

From Vox

Medical professionals too have inquired about influencer marketing strategy, she said.

From Digiday

I do not believe we have a current count of fugitives for publication, but will inquire.

From The Daily Beast

Everyone, of course, was too polite to inquire about the embarrassing number of absentees.

From The Daily Beast

I inquire if I may touch it and find the texture soft and creamy.

From The Daily Beast

Their silence leaves conventional physicians to fend for themselves when patients inquire about it.

From The Daily Beast

The court will not “inquire into the validity of a religious tenet.”

From The Daily Beast

I need not inquire whether his dismal behaviour was natural or assumed.

From Project Gutenberg

Elmer Spiker interrupted to inquire whether the turtles I had seen were "black-legs, red-legs, or yaller-legs."

From Project Gutenberg

"I am going to New York," he said, not giving me time to inquire into his strange proceeding.

From Project Gutenberg

In continuation of this topic, may I inquire when and where the two following bishops, deprived in 1690, died?

From Project Gutenberg

And I shall send my emissaries into the district of Montelimar to inquire into these disturbances you tell of.

From Project Gutenberg

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.