inquire

American  

[in-kwahyuhr] / ɪnˈkwaɪər /

verb (used without object)

inquired, inquiring

1. to seek information by questioning; ask.

   to inquire about a person.

   Synonyms:

   query, examine, investigate

2. to make investigation (usually followed byinto ).

   to inquire into the incident.

   Synonyms:

   query, examine, investigate

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verb (used with object)

inquired, inquiring

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. inquire after to ask about the state of health or condition of.

   Friends have been calling all morning to inquire after you.

inquire British  

/ ɪnˈkwaɪə /

verb

1. 1. to seek information; ask

      she inquired his age

      she inquired about rates of pay

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

      I'll inquire of my aunt when she is coming

2. to make a search or investigation

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Usage

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.

Synonym Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• inquirable
  adjective
• inquirer
  noun
• reinquire
  verb
• uninquired
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of inquire

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

Explanation

The verb inquire means "to ask for information." If you wonder about how the world began, you inquire about its origin. Inquire comes from the Latin combination of words in, meaning "into" and quærere, meaning "ask, seek." When you inquire, you look into something. You might ask a question, like inquiring if the bakery is hiring any cake decorators. Inquire can also mean "to conduct an investigation." No matter how you do it, when you inquire, you seek answers.

Example Sentences

Inquire whether airport transfers are included in your package or whether you can pay an additional fee to have the resort transport you.

From Washington Post • Apr. 20, 2022

At the time, the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse was investigating the treatment of children in institutions run by religious orders, while a separate statutory inquiry was investigating clerical sexual abuse in Ferns diocese.

From The Guardian • Aug. 7, 2018

Inquire about how she handles children who haven’t fully learned how, as the argot goes, to use their words, take turns or share.

From New York Times • Feb. 4, 2017

Inquire about how your bags will be returned to you—some airlines will deliver your bags to your final destination and others will not.

From Time • Mar. 11, 2016

And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, "Inquire first, I pray thee, for the word of the Lord."

From The Bible Story by Hall, Newton Marshall

Related Words

• examine
• inspect
• interrogate
• investigate