English Explanatory Dictionary

inquire

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To ask (about something).
  2. To make an inquiry or an investigation.
  3. To call; to name.

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈkwaɪə/ /ɪŋˈkwaɪə/ /ɪnˈkwaɪɹ/ /ɪŋˈkwaɪɹ/ en-us-inquire.ogg

Word forms

inquire inquires inquiring inquired enquire

Etymology

From Latin inquīrō (“to seek for”), composed of in- (“in, at, on; into”) + quaerō (“to seek, look for”), of uncertain origin, but possibly from Proto-Italic *kʷaizeō, from Proto-Indo-European *kʷeh₂- (“to acquire”). Displaced Middle English enqueren (from Old French enquerre, of the same source) and native Middle English speir (“ask, inquire”).

Synonyms

frain

Related words

inquest inquiry inquisition inquisitive inquisitor query

Derived words

inquirable inquire after inquire of inquirer inquiringly inquirist noninquiring reinquire uninquired
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