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

A neighbour of Sara Sharif who tried to inquire about "screaming" coming from inside the 10-year-old's home had the door shut in her face, a court was told.

From BBC

If we want to learn more learn, we have to inquire.

From Salon

"I think it’s reasonable to watch this clip, add the withdrawal from a 60 minutes interview, and wonder if there’s something actually going on. I don’t know- maybe he’s fine, but it’s not a wacky or nasty thing to inquire about," he wrote, linking to video of Trump's speech.

From Salon

I don't know- maybe he's fine, but it's not a wacky or nasty thing to inquire about.

From Salon

Mr Fitzsimmons said the county set up a website where people can inquire about missing persons.

From BBC

Related Words

• examine
• inspect
• interrogate
• investigate