inquiring

[ in-kwahyuhr-ing ]

See synonyms for inquiring on Thesaurus.com

adjective

seeking facts, information, or knowledge: an inquiring mind.
curious; probing; inquisitive in seeking facts: an inquiring reporter.

scrutinizing; questioning: He looked at his father with inquiring eyes.

Origin of inquiring

First recorded in 1595–1605; inquire + -ing²

Other words from inquiring

in·quir·ing·ly, adverb
non·in·quir·ing, adjective
non·in·quir·ing·ly, adverb
un·in·quir·ing, adjective

Words Nearby inquiring

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use inquiring in a sentence

Peter inquires, apparently inquiring if the cop is a good shot.
Synagogue Slay: When Cops Have to Kill | Michael Daly | December 10, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
A shriek of glee briefly broke out across the Web as inquiring minds tried to deduce who was the lucky lady.
My Bizarre Night With James Deen, Libertarian Porn Star | Emily Shire | November 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
She begged their father to contact him, refusing to relent until he sent an inquiring telegram.
Knocking on Heaven's Door: True Stories of Unexplained, Uncanny Experiences at the Hour of Death | Patricia Pearson | August 11, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Governments of the affected countries in West African began inquiring about Zmapp.
Why the White Americans Got the ‘Secret’ Ebola Serum | Michael Daly | August 8, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Employers are inquiring about it and brokers and consultants are advocating for it.
Hold On to Your Health Care | Kaiser Health News | May 7, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

So he very readily consented, inquiring how soon Garnache would require them.
St. Martin's Summer | Rafael Sabatini
He even brushed up his archaic French for the sake of inquiring directly after the child's health from Fanchette.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume II (of 3) | Charles James Wills
Pike's head suddenly appeared above the hurdles, and he began inquiring after her health.
Elster's Folly | Mrs. Henry Wood
"Our holiday work," said Mrs. Larpent, in answer to the inquiring look of Norman's eyes.
The Daisy Chain | Charlotte Yonge
Bartow was in the middle of the study, with his eyes fixed on his master's empty chair in an inquiring way that spoke volumes.
The Circular Study | Anna Katharine Green

British Dictionary definitions for inquiring

inquiring

/ (ɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ) /

adjective

seeking or tending to seek answers, information, etc: an inquiring mind

Derived forms of inquiring

inquiringly, adverb

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

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