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inquire definition

in·quire (in kwīr′)

intransitive verb inquired -·quired′, inquiring -·quir′·ing

  1. to seek information; ask a question or questions
  2. to carry out an examination or investigation: usually with into

Etymology: ME enqueren < OFr enquerre < VL *inquaerere, for L inquirere < in-, into + quaerere, to seek

transitive verb

to seek information about to inquire the way

Related Forms:

inquire Idioms

inquire after

to pay respects by asking about the health of

inquire for

  1. to ask to see (someone)
  2. to try to get by asking

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

inquire Synonyms

inquire

v.

  1. To ask about

    make an inquiry, probe, interrogate, query; see ask 1, question 1.

  2. To seek into

    investigate, analyze, study; see examine 1. See syn. study at ask.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

inquire Usage Examples

Preposition: about

  • availability: Booking is essential Artist: Anne Dye Click here to inquire about availability.

Preposition: into

  • matter: In the first essay in this three part work Kant defends the freedom of the philosopher to inquire into matters of religion.

Modifying Another Word

  • politely: I'd be standing, rather awkwardly as is my way, and someone would politely inquire as to what denomination I was.

Used with why or when

  • why: Later, the poet in question wrote a stern letter to Adrian to inquire why he'd slipped out.

Present participle complement

  • concern: And now let us inquire concerning the pillory and the tumbrel.
inquire usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

inquire quotes

   Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.One thing have I desired of the L, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the L all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the L, and to inquire in his temple.

-Bible (Old Testament)

Inquire often, but judge rarely, and thou wilt not often be mistaken.

-Penn,William

Myadvicetoyou isnottoinquire whyor whither, but just enjoy your ice-creamwhileit's onyour plate,öthat'smy philosophy.

-Wilder,Thornton Niven

inquire quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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"inquire." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/inquire>

APA Style

inquire. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/inquire

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