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.

Related Words

• examine
• inspect
• interrogate
• investigate