inquire
Use Inquire in a sentence
verb (used without object)
1.
to seek information by questioning; ask: to inquire about a person.
2.
to make investigation (usually followed by into ): to inquire into the incident.
verb (used with object)
3.
to seek to learn by asking: to inquire a person's name.
4.
Obsolete. to seek.
5.
Obsolete. to question (a person).
00:10
Inquire
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is subtilize. Does it mean:
| to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about. |
| to spend time idly; loaf. |
6.
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:
1250–1300; Middle English < Latin inquīrere to seek for (see in-2, query); replacing Middle English enqueren < Old French enquerre < Latin, as above
1250–1300; Middle English < Latin inquīrere to seek for (see in-2, query); replacing Middle English enqueren < Old French enquerre < Latin, as above
Related forms
in·quir·a·ble, adjective
in·quir·er, noun
re·in·quire, verb, re·in·quired, re·in·quir·ing.
un·in·quired, adjective
Synonyms
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.
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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
|
Link To Inquire
Collins
World English Dictionary
inquire or enquire (ɪnˈkwaɪə) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb (often foll by into) | |
| 1. | a. to seek information; ask: she inquired his age; she inquired about rates of pay |
| b. ( | |
| 2. | to make a search or investigation |
| [C13: from Latin inquīrere from | |
| enquire or enquire | |
| —vb | |
| [C13: from Latin inquīrere from | |
| in'quirer or enquire | |
| —n | |
| en'quirer or enquire | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
inquire
late 13c., from O.Fr. enquerre, from V.L. *inquærere, from L. in- "into" + quærere "ask, seek" (see query). Respelled 14c. on L. model, but half-Latinized enquire still persists.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Cite This Source
Example sentences
Information about customers who simply inquire about any of these materials can also be extremely useful to the police.
To inquire about volunteer availability, interested parties will need to contact the event organizers directly.
Since coverage varies widely, you will need to inquire about specific options you are considering.
Please call a specific location to inquire about current office hours.
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