inquiry

in·qui·ry

noun \in-ˈkwī(-ə)r-ē, ˈin-ˌ; ˈin-kwə-rē, ˈiŋ-; ˈin-ˌkwir-ē\

plural in·qui·ries

Definition of INQUIRY

1

: examination into facts or principles : research

2

: a request for information

3

: a systematic investigation often of a matter of public interest

Examples of INQUIRY

1. She refused to answer inquiries from the media about her marriage.
2. The board ordered an inquiry to determine whether the rules had been followed.
3. Further inquiry showed that he had visited the city twice before.
4. The police are pursuing a new line of inquiry.
5. Discovered when Galileo Galilei turned the first astronomical telescope to the heavens in 1610, the Jovian system has been a focus of scientific inquiry ever since. —Chad Galts, Brown Alumni Monthly, November 1996
6. … distinguish between legitimate legislative inquiry into the acts of a man … and illegitimate inquiry into opinions … —Norman Thomas, New Republic, 28 Feb. 1955
7. … his head was tilted at the precise angle of inquiry as to where he should put Muhlenberg's drink. —Theodore Sturgeon, E Pluribus Unicorn, (1953) 1965

Origin of INQUIRY

(see inquire)

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to INQUIRY

Synonyms

delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquisition, investigation, probation, probe, probing, research, study

Related Words

quest; audit, check; checkup, diagnosis, inspection; hearing, interrogation, trial; feeler, query, question; poll, questionary, questionnaire, survey; challenge, cross-examination, going-over, grilling, quiz; rehearing, reinvestigation; self-examination, self-exploration, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, soul-searching

Near Antonyms

answer, reply, response

Rhymes with INQUIRY

venire