inquire

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Latin inquīrō (“to seek for”). Displaced Middle English enqueren (from Old French enquerre, of the same source) and native Old English speir (“ask, inquire”).

Pronunciation

Verb

inquire (third-person singular simple present inquires, present participle inquiring, simple past and past participle inquired) (transitive, intransitive)

  1. (US) To ask (about something).
  2. To make an inquiry or an investigation.
    • 1915, Emerson Hough, The Purchase Price, chapterI:
      "A fine man, that Dunwody, yonder," commented the young captain, as they parted, and as he turned to his prisoner. "We'll see him on in Washington some day. […] A strong man—a strong one; and a heedless." ¶ "Of what party is he?" she inquired, as though casually.
  3. (obsolete) To call; to name.
    • Spenser
      Canute had his portion from the rest, The which he call'd Canutium, for his hire, Now Cantium, which Kent we commonly inquire.

Usage notes

  • In British English, the spelling enquire is more common, with inquire often reserved for official inquests. In Canada and the US, both spellings are acceptable, though inquire is favored.

Synonyms

  • frain (dialect or obsolete)

Derived terms

Translations

See also

Latin

Verb

inquīre

  1. second-person singular present active imperative of inquīrō

Portuguese

Verb

inquire

  1. third-person singular present indicative of inquirir
  2. second-person singular imperative of inquirir
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