inquire

verb

in·​quire in-ˈkwī(-ə)r 

inquired; inquiring

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

transitive verb

1

: to ask about

some kindred spirit shall inquire thy fate

—Thomas Gray

2

: to search into : investigate

inquirer noun

inquiringly

in-ˈkwī-riŋ-lē 

adverb

Phrases

inquire after

: to ask about the health of

Synonyms

• delve (into)
• dig (into)
• examine
• explore
• investigate
• look (into)
• probe
• research

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of inquire in a Sentence

When I inquired, they told me she was not here.

We inquired the way to the station.

“So, what do you want?” he inquired.

Recent Examples on the Web

Producer Doug Wick told THR after the film’s 2000 release that the production team first inquired whether Mel Gibson was available to star, but ultimately decided on Crowe, perhaps best known at the time for his turn in L.A. Confidential. —Lisa De Los Reyes, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Dec. 2024

During Tuesday's presser, multiple outlets inquired about the victims, who have yet to be identified. —Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 17 Dec. 2024

Larger family groups, Greene mentions, can inquire with their travel specialist about group rates, which often come with extra perks. —Scott Laird, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Dec. 2024

Another option for managing provider directory information is tasking dedicated provider contact agents to inquire about recent provider data changes with every provider touchpoint. —Tammy Hawes, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing inquire

• inquire into
• inquire of

Kids Definition

inquire

verb

in·​quire in-ˈkwī(ə)r 

inquired; inquiring

1

: to ask about

inquired the way to the train station

2

: to make an investigation

inquire into the accident

3

: to ask a question

inquired about the weather

inquirer noun

inquiringly

-ˈkwī-riŋ-lē 

adverb