inquire

/ɪnˈkwaɪər/

/ɛnˈkwaɪə/

Other forms: inquired; inquiring; inquires

The verb inquire means "to ask for information." If you wonder about how the world began, you inquire about its origin.

Inquire comes from the Latin combination of words in, meaning "into" and quærere, meaning "ask, seek." When you inquire, you look into something. You might ask a question, like inquiring if the bakery is hiring any cake decorators. Inquire can also mean "to conduct an investigation." No matter how you do it, when you inquire, you seek answers.

Definitions of inquire

1. verb

   conduct an inquiry or investigation of
   “inquire into the disappearance of the rich old lady”

   synonyms: enquire, investigate

   types:

   spy

   secretly collect sensitive or classified information; engage in espionage

   type of:

   examine, probe

   question or examine thoroughly and closely
2. verb

   have a wish or desire to know something
   synonyms: enquire, wonder

   types:

   request

   inquire for (information)

   seek

   inquire for

   type of:

   query, question

   pose a question
3. verb

   inquire about
   synonyms: ask, enquire

   ask

   direct or put; seek an answer to

   ask

   address a question to and expect an answer from

   types:

   pry

   be nosey

   confer with, consult

   get or ask advice from

   type of:

   communicate, intercommunicate

   transmit thoughts or feelings