inquire
[ in-kwahyuhr ]
/ ɪnˈkwaɪər /
verb (used without object), in·quired, in·quir·ing.
to seek information by questioning; ask: to inquire about a person.
to make investigation (usually followed by into): to inquire into the incident.
verb (used with object), in·quired, in·quir·ing.
to seek to learn by asking: to inquire a person's name.
Obsolete.
to seek.
Obsolete.
to question (a person).
Verb Phrases
inquire after,
to ask about the state of health or condition of: Friends have been calling all morning to inquire after you.
Also
enquire.
Origin of inquire
SYNONYMS FOR inquire
1–3
investigate,
examine,
query.
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 examination or investigation:
to question the survivor of an accident. Sometimes it implies doubt:
to question a figure, an account.
OTHER WORDS FROM inquire
in·quir·a·ble, adjective in·quir·er, noun re·in·quire, verb, re·in·quired, re·in·quir·ing. un·in·quired, adjectiveWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH inquire
inquirer inquisitorWords nearby inquire
inquartation,
inquest,
inquiet,
inquietude,
inquiline,
inquire,
inquire after,
inquiring,
inquiry,
inquisition,
inquisitionist
British Dictionary definitions for inquirable
inquire
enquire
/ (ɪnˈkwaɪə) /
verb
- to seek information; askshe inquired his age; she inquired about rates of pay
- (foll by of) to ask (a person) for informationI'll inquire of my aunt when she is coming
(intr often foll by into)
to make a search or investigation
Derived forms of inquire
inquirer or enquirer, nounWord Origin for inquire
C13: from Latin
inquīrere from
in- ² +
quaerere to seek