inquiry
[in-kwahyuh r-ee, in-kwuh-ree]
- a seeking or request for truth, information, or knowledge.
- an investigation, as into an incident: a Congressional inquiry into the bribery charges.
- the act of inquiring or of seeking information by questioning; interrogation.
- a question; query.
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Also enquiry.
Origin of inquiry
Synonyms
See more synonyms for inquiry on Thesaurus.com1. study, scrutiny, exploration. See investigation.
Antonyms
4. answer, reply.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for inquiries
Contemporary Examples
Inquiries will be accepted only via Western Union telegram or rotary phone.
At first,” he writes, “the source was so nervous that he insisted I must make no inquiries for fear of exposing him.
Murdoch on the Rocks: How a Lone Reporter Revealed the Mogul's Tabloid Terror MachineClive Irving
August 25, 2014
His work finally bore fruit when Theresa May, the current home secretary, announced the formation of the inquiries Monday.
His spokeman, Donny Ferguson, has not responded to inquiries on the Congressman's whereabouts.
Sowell told Mr. and Mrs. Kleinhans to direct all inquiries to Ballard.
Historical Examples
If I can render any assistance in making these inquiries, I will.
Life in LondonEdwin Hodder
Inquiries were made as to the health of Mr. Potts' family, and of Mr. Potts in particular.
Biography of a SlaveCharles Thompson
"Make no inquiries, my dear; for I cannot answer any, even of yours," said Vivian.
Tales And Novels, Volume 5 (of 10)Maria Edgeworth
This last discovery was made by the two friends in pursuing their inquiries.
Little DorritCharles Dickens
I attempted to pacify her by an indefinite reply to her inquiries, but in vain.
Theresa MarchmontMrs Charles Gore
inquiry
enquiry
- a request for information; a question
- an investigation, esp a formal one conducted into a matter of public concern by a body constituted for that purpose by a government, local authority, or other organization
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for inquiries
inquiry
n.
mid-15c., enquery, from enquere (see inquire). Respelled from mid-16c. to conform to Latin.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper