inquire

verb

in·quire | \ in-ˈkwī(-ə)r

inquired; inquiring

Definition of inquire

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 fate— Thomas Gray

2 : to search into : investigate

inquire after

: to ask about the health of

Other Words from inquire Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about inquire

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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

But the most challenging piece of the formula—indeed, the most important—is the notion of radically inquiring within. — Jerry Colonna, Quartz at Work, "The most important leadership skill is radical self-inquiry," 14 June 2019 The newspaper's rebuttal states a court cannot inquire into the tenets of a faith or whether Sandmann violated any. — Max Londberg, Cincinnati.com, "Court date set in Nick Sandmann's defamation case against Washington Post," 7 June 2019 About half of these calls were inquiring what all the racket was about. — Dallas News, "D-Day as Dallas lived it," 6 June 2019 At a lecture Bhargava presented at the Clay institute, one audience member inquired jokingly whether Bhargava and Shankar are now entitled to 12 percent of the million-dollar prize. — Quanta Magazine, "Mathematicians Shed Light on Minimalist Conjecture," 9 July 2013 Akhtar said he's sent two emails to the city inquiring about whether the mayor had taken any action. — Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, "Suspended Warren Police Deputy Commissioner Matthew Nichols terminated," 21 June 2019 But last week, Manhattan prosecutors were surprised to receive a letter from the second-highest law enforcement official in the country inquiring about Mr. Manafort’s case. — New York Times, "Paul Manafort Seemed Headed to Rikers. Then the Justice Department Intervened.," 17 June 2019 Nine places, including California, Massachusetts, New York City and Philadelphia have banned employers from inquiring about past pay. — Beth Dreher, Good Housekeeping, "What Is the Gender Wage Gap?," 12 June 2019 Bring or rent a bicycle and pedal on over to the shuttle service for a $10 ride to the island or inquire about charter fishing in the abundant waters. — Amy Aumick, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Explore Florida's Gulf County: One of the state's best beaches," 7 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inquire.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.