enquire

American  

[en-kwahyuhr] / ɛnˈkwaɪər /

verb (used with or without object)

enquired, enquiring

1. inquire.

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enquire British  

/ ɪnˈkwaɪə /

verb

1. a variant of inquire

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• enquirer noun
• unenquired adjective
• unenquiring adjective

Example Sentences

He was among five independent UN rights experts who sent a communication to the Indian government in 2024 to enquire about Nijjar's assassination.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Liverpool were among the first sides to seriously enquire about the forward in an attempt to head off competition for his signing.

From BBC • Nov. 4, 2024

She tells me that anyone from any background can enquire about adoption and that specialist training is available.

From BBC • Oct. 28, 2024

"Following the no confidence motion, the IMF stands ready to engage with the Pakistan government and enquire about its policy plans," IMF's Resident Representative Esther Perez Ruiz told Reuters.

From Reuters • Apr. 14, 2022

At last I pluck up courage to enquire of the guards—it needs courage, for they are in uniform, and have lathis strapped to their wrists.

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya