Definition of inquiry
inquiries
1 : examination into facts or principles : research
2 : a request for information
3 : a systematic investigation often of a matter of public interest
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Examples of inquiry in a Sentence
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
… distinguish between legitimate legislative inquiry into the acts of a man … and illegitimate inquiry into opinions … —Norman Thomas, New Republic, 28 Feb. 1955
… 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
She refused to answer inquiries from the media about her marriage.
The board ordered an inquiry to determine whether the rules had been followed.
Further inquiry showed that he had visited the city twice before.
The police are pursuing a new line of inquiry.
Recent Examples of inquiry from the Web
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While neither probe may directly relate to the core Russia inquiry, Mueller’s oversight of them avoids any complications that might arise from having two separate Justice Department investigations of the same person.
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At a Wednesday briefing, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said inquiries about the Russia investigation must be directed to Trump’s longtime personal attorney, Marc Kasowitz.
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At the time, Blagojevich was struggling to shape his image as a progressive governor while journalists were beginning to raise questions about his fundraising activities — a line of inquiry that eventually led to his downfall.
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An inquiry by the Education Ministry revealed that Ms. Chung had been admitted at the expense of candidates with better credentials.
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Issa’s campaign received four such inquiries during the same time period, and responded promptly to each, according to the Union-Tribune’s review of FEC records.
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Among the most controversial portions of the state inquiry is the temperature of the shower.
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Kushner’s dealings with Russia have drawn the attention of FBI agents conducting the probe, according to a person familiar with the inquiry who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
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Investigators believe Kushner has significant information relevant to their inquiry, officials said.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inquiry'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of inquiry
see inquire
First Known Use: 15th century
INQUIRY Defined for English Language Learners
inquiry
playDefinition of inquiry for English Language Learners
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: a request for information
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: an official effort to collect and examine information about something
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: the act of asking questions in order to gather or collect information
INQUIRY Defined for Kids
inquiry
playDefinition of inquiry for Students
inquiries
1 : the act of asking a question or seeking information On further inquiry, we learned his name.
2 : a request for information The inquiry is confidential.
3 : a thorough examination an official inquiry
Law Dictionary
inquiry
playLegal Definition of inquiry
inquiries
1 : a request for information such doubt as would cause a reasonable person to make an inquiry
2 : a systematic official investigation often of a matter of public interest especially by a body (as a legislative committee) with power to compel testimony
on inquiry
: having notice that inquiry should be made
Learn More about inquiry
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See words that rhyme with inquiry Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for inquiry Spanish Central: Translation of inquiry Nglish: Translation of inquiry for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of inquiry for Arabic speakers
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