inquire

verb

in·​quire in-ˈkwī(-ə)r How to pronounce inquire (audio)
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 fateThomas Gray
2
: to search into : investigate
inquirer noun
inquiringly adverb
Phrases
inquire after
: to ask about the health of
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 Guests can inquire ahead of their stay about additional accommodations the hotel may be able to provide. Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2024 In a recent TikTok comment beneath a video of Landon Barker signing autographs and answering questions from paparazzi, one user inquired about whether the musician and influencer has Tourette’s syndrome. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2024 To inquire about the waitlist, email kscinfo@kysciencecenter.org. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 5 Mar. 2024 On Monday, the executive board of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus sent a letter to CEOs of Fortune 100 companies, inquiring about efforts to improve Asian American diversity and encouraging them to stay the course amid growing attacks on DEI. Taylor Telford, Washington Post, 18 Feb. 2024 There’s a running point in the show about not telling new pilots what to expect in the air, and your character inquires about advice when he’s first introduced in episode four. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2024 The bank declined to say whether Trump has inquired about taking out additional loans since the judgment. Josh Dawsey, Washington Post, 25 Feb. 2024 Clients are also inquiring with increasing frequency about their withdrawal options and whether the VDP is right for them. Daniel Mayo, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 Additionally, inquire about the possibility of future raises within the organization. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inquire.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of inquire was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near inquire

Cite this Entry

“Inquire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inquire. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inquire

verb
in·​quire in-ˈkwī(ə)r How to pronounce inquire (audio)
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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on inquire

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!