Enquire: meaning, definitions and examples

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enquire

[ ɪnˈkwaɪər ]

^{Context #1}

formal

To ask for information from someone in a formal way. To make an inquiry.

Synonyms

ask, inquire, question

Examples of usage

I need to enquire about the availability of the product.
Please enquire at the reception desk for further details.

^{Context #2}

British English

To ask someone for information about something.

Synonyms

ask, interrogate, query

Examples of usage

He enquired about the cost of the tickets.
She enquired whether the shop was still open.

^{Context #3}

formal

A question, especially one asked in an official context.

Synonyms

investigation, query, question

Examples of usage

The customer had a few enquiries about the new policy.
Please direct all enquires to the HR department.

Translations

Translations of the word "enquire" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perguntar

🇮🇳 पूछना

🇩🇪 anfragen

🇮🇩 bertanya

🇺🇦 запитувати

🇵🇱 pytać

🇯🇵 問い合せる

🇫🇷 demander

🇪🇸 preguntar

🇹🇷 sormak

🇰🇷 묻다

🇸🇦 استفسر

🇨🇿 zeptat se

🇸🇰 opýtať sa

🇨🇳 询问

🇸🇮 vprašati

🇮🇸 spyrja

🇰🇿 сұрау

🇬🇪 იკითხება

🇦🇿 soruşmaq

🇲🇽 preguntar

Word origin

The word 'enquire' originated from the Old French word 'enquerre', which in turn came from the Latin word 'inquīrere', meaning 'to seek for'. The usage of 'enquire' is more common in British English, while 'inquire' is preferred in American English. Over time, the distinction between 'enquire' and 'inquire' has blurred, and they are often used interchangeably in modern English.