˜yÐÄvlog

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View synonyms for

inquire

[ in-kwahyuhr ]

verb (used without object)

inquired, inquiring.
  1. to seek information by questioning; ask:

    to inquire about a person.

    Synonyms: , ,

  2. to make investigation (usually followed by into ):

    to inquire into the incident.

    Synonyms: , ,



verb (used with object)

inquired, inquiring.
  1. to seek to learn by asking:

    to inquire a person's name.

    Synonyms: , ,

  2. Obsolete. to seek.
  3. Obsolete. to question (a person).

verb phrase

  1. to ask about the state of health or condition of:

    Friends have been calling all morning to inquire after you.

inquire

/ ɪ²Ôˈ°ì·É²¹ÉªÉ™ /

verb

    1. to seek information; ask

      she inquired about rates of pay

      she inquired his age

    2. foll by of to ask (a person) for information

      I'll inquire of my aunt when she is coming

  1. introften foll byinto to make a search or investigation
“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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Derived Forms

  • ¾±²Ôˈ±ç³Ü¾±°ù±ð°ù, noun
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Other ˜yÐÄvlog Forms

  • ¾±²Ô·±ç³Ü¾±°ù·²¹Â·²ú±ô±ð adjective
  • ¾±²Ô·±ç³Ü¾±°ù·±ð°ù noun
  • °ù±ð·¾±²Ô·±ç³Ü¾±°ù±ð verb reinquired reinquiring
  • ³Ü²Ô·¾±²Ô·±ç³Ü¾±°ù±ð»å adjective
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˜yÐÄvlog History and Origins

Origin of inquire1

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Latin ¾±²Ô±ç³ÜÄ«°ù±ð°ù±ð “to seek for†( in- 2, query ); replacing Middle English enqueren, from Old French enquerre, from Latin, as above
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˜yÐÄvlog History and Origins

Origin of inquire1

C13: from Latin ¾±²Ô±ç³ÜÄ«°ù±ð°ù±ð from in- ² + quaerere to seek
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Synonym Study

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 examinationor investigation: to question the survivor of an accident. Sometimes it implies doubt: to question a figure, an account.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The foundation’s website shut down in February, days after The Times inquired about its status with the Attorney General’s Office.

From

The Army Corps said that the operation “will be closely monitored and follow safety measures,†but did not provide data around its safety arguments when The Times inquired.

From

“Many of you have donated to her care; others have inquired about her adoption status; and most have expressed their disdain for animal abuse,†she said in a statement.

From

He said they inquired about her immigration status, which led to their discovery that she had been convicted of petty theft in 2005.

From

That same spring, he was so desperate that he wrote a letter to the athletic director at Campbell, inquiring about the Camels’ open job.

From

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Inquire Vs. Enquire

What's the difference between inquire ²¹²Ô»åÌýenquire?

Inquire and enquire mean the same thing: to ask, to seek information, or to investigate. Enquire is a less common variant of inquire.

Their noun forms—inquiry and enquiry—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 inquire in contexts that are more formal. In the U.S., enquire is rarely used.

Here’s an example of inquire used correctly in a sentence.

Example: I’m calling to inquire about the open position.

Enquire could be used in this sentence in the same exact way.

Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between inquire and enquire.

Quiz yourself on inquire ±¹²õ.Ìýenquire!

True or False?

Inquire and enquire have the same meaning.

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