Inquire Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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inquire
[ɪnˈkwaɪər ]
Definitions
formal
To ask for information, or to investigate.
Synonyms
ask, investigate, question.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| inquire |
Formal contexts where you seek information politely or officially.
|
| ask |
General and informal contexts where you seek information or make a request.
|
| question |
Contexts where you challenge or doubt something, often used in interviews or interrogations and can sometimes imply suspicion.
|
| investigate |
Contexts where thorough and detailed examination or research is required, often related to formal or professional settings.
|
Examples of usage
- I need to inquire about the availability of the product.
- She inquired about his health.
- We will inquire further into the matter.
- The detective inquired into the whereabouts of the suspect.
- He inquired politely about her family.
formal
An act of asking for information.
Synonyms
investigation, query, question.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| inquire |
Used in formal situations where you are asking for information politely, often in an official or business context.
|
| question |
The most general term for asking about something, used in everyday situations and can be informal or formal.
|
| query |
Used when you have a doubt, question, or need clarification about something, often in a professional or technical setting.
|
| investigation |
Applies to situations involving a detailed and systematic examination or inquiry, often used in legal or scientific contexts.
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Examples of usage
- I made an inquiry about the price of the tickets.
- She submitted an inquiry to the customer service department.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The famous phrase 'to inquire within' appears on many shop doors, inviting customers to seek more information inside.
- In the popular movie 'The Shawshank Redemption,' the idea of inquiry represents hope and the search for freedom.
- In many literary works, characters often embark on quests that begin with inquiry, highlighting its role in adventure.
Education
- Asking questions is a fundamental part of the scientific method, which promotes critical thinking and exploration.
- Inquire-based learning encourages students to explore their interests through personalized questions instead of memorization.
- Teachers often emphasize the importance of inquiry to foster curiosity and deeper understanding in subjects.
Psychology
- Humans have an innate drive to inquire about their environment, which is essential for survival and learning.
- Curiosity, which fuels inquiry, is linked to motivation, helping people engage more with their surroundings.
- Studies show that children who frequently inquire have better problem-solving abilities as they grow older.
Philosophy
- Inquiry is a foundational aspect of philosophical thinking, leading to the exploration of truths and ethical concepts.
- The Socratic method involves asking probing questions to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas.
- Many philosophers argue that the act of inquiring is central to personal growth and self-understanding.
Origin of 'inquire'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'inquire' comes from the Latin word 'inquirere,' which means 'to seek after' or 'to search out.'
- In the 14th century, the term started being used in English, primarily in contexts related to obtaining knowledge.
- There's a variant 'inquire' and 'enquire,' where 'inquire' is often more formal.
The word 'inquire' originated from the Latin word 'inquirere', which means 'to search into'. The term has been in use since the 15th century and has evolved to its current form in modern English. Over the years, 'inquire' has retained its meaning of seeking information or investigating a matter.
See also: inquirer, inquiring, inquiringly, inquiry, inquisitive, inquisitiveness, inquisitor.