First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
inquiry
noun in·qui·ry \in-ˈkwī(-ə)r-ē, ˈin-ˌ; ˈin-kwə-rē, ˈiŋ-; ˈin-ˌkwir-ē\
: a request for information
: an official effort to collect and examine information about something
: the act of asking questions in order to gather or collect information
plural in·qui·ries
Full Definition of INQUIRY
1
: examination into facts or principles : research
2
: a request for information
3
: a systematic investigation often of a matter of public interest
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Examples of INQUIRY
- Discovered when Galileo Galilei turned the first astronomical telescope to the heavens in 1610, the Jovian system has been a focus of scientific inquiry ever since. —Chad Galts, Brown Alumni Monthly, November 1996
- … distinguish between legitimate legislative inquiry into the acts of a man … and illegitimate inquiry into opinions … —Norman Thomas, New Republic, 28 Feb. 1955
- … his head was tilted at the precise angle of inquiry as to where he should put Muhlenberg's drink. —Theodore Sturgeon, E Pluribus Unicorn, (1953) 1965
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Origin of INQUIRY
(see inquire)
Related to INQUIRY
- Synonyms
- delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquisition, investigation, probation, probe, probing, research, study
Rhymes with INQUIRY
INQUIRIES Defined for Kids
inquiry
noun in·qui·ry \ˈin-ˌkwī-rē, -kwə-\
plural in·qui·ries
Definition of INQUIRY for Kids
1
: the act of asking a question or seeking information <On further inquiry, we learned his name.>
2
: a request for information <The inquiry is confidential.>
3
: a thorough examination <an official inquiry>
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