First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
inquire
verb in·quire \in-ˈkwī(-ə)r\
: to ask for information
in·quiredin·quir·ing
Full Definition of INQUIRE
transitive verb
1
: to ask about <some kindred spirit shall inquire thy fate — Thomas Gray>
2
: to search into : investigate
intransitive verb
1
: to put a question : seek for information by questioning <inquired about the horses>
2
: 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
See inquire defined for English-language learners
See inquire defined for kids
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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
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>.
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>.
Rhymes with INQUIRE
INQUIRER Defined for Kids
inquire
verb in·quire \in-ˈkwīr\
in·quiredin·quir·ing
Definition of INQUIRE for Kids
1
: to ask or ask about <I inquired about the schedule.>
2
: to make an investigation <The committee inquired into the matter.>
3
: to ask a question <“Can I help you?” she inquired.>
— in·quir·er noun
— in·quir·ing·ly adverb
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