inquire

verb in·quire \in-ˈkwī(-ə)r\

: to ask for information

in·quiredin·quir·ing

Full Definition of INQUIRE

transitive verb

: to ask about <some kindred spirit shall inquire thy fate — Thomas Gray>

: to search into : investigate

intransitive verb

: to put a question : seek for information by questioning <inquired about the horses>

: to make investigation or inquiry —often used with into

— in·quir·er noun

— in·quir·ing·ly \-ˈkwī-riŋ-lē\ adverb

— inquire after

: to ask about the health of

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Origin of INQUIRE

Middle English enquiren, from Anglo-French enquerre, from Vulgar Latin *inquaerere, alteration of Latin inquirere, from in- + quaerere to seek

First Known Use: 13th century

Synonym Discussion of INQUIRE

ask, question, interrogate, query, inquire mean to address a person in order to gain information. ask implies no more than the putting of a question <ask for directions>. question usually suggests the asking of series of questions <questioned them about every detail of the trip>. interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning <the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day>. query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation <queried a librarian about the book>. inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions <began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue>.

ask, request, solicit mean to seek to obtain by making one's wants known. ask implies no more than the statement of the desire <ask a favor of a friend>. request implies greater formality and courtesy <requests the pleasure of your company>. solicit suggests a calling attention to one's wants or desires by public announcement or advertisement <a letter soliciting information>.