enquire

[en-kwahyuhr]

verb (used with or without object)

enquired, enquiring 

1. inquire.

enquire

/ ɪnˈkwaɪə /

verb

1. a variant of inquire

Other Word Forms

• unenquired adjective
• unenquiring adjective
• enquirer noun

Example Sentences

“He was constantly enquiring; some things he was pretty sure of, but much was in a state of enquiry,” she wrote.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"We were told it was for the US deportees after we enquired," he said, adding the ministry had been kept in the dark throughout the process.

Read more on Barron's

"We understand that reports of this nature can be concerning, and it is likely that residents will see an increased number of officers in the area while we carry out further enquires," he said.

Read more on BBC

After the BBC enquired about her package, the tracking information was updated for the first time in weeks to say it was "on the way", raising her hopes.

Read more on BBC

"If you are a parent or guardian in the area and your child was out that night, we ask that you enquire about their movements and what they might know," Det Insp McWhinnie said.

Read more on BBC

When To Use

What's the difference between enquire and inquire?

Enquire and inquire mean the same thing: to ask, to seek information, or to investigate. Enquire is a less common variant of inquire.Their noun forms—enquiry and inquiry—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 enquire in contexts that are less formal. In the U.S., enquire is rarely used.Here’s an example of enquire used correctly in a sentence.Example: I’m calling to enquire about the open position.Inquire could be used in this sentence in the same exact way.Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between enquire and inquire.