inquire
verb /ɪnˈkwaɪə(r)/
/ɪnˈkwaɪər/
(also enquire especially in British English)
[intransitive, transitive]- to ask somebody for some information
- inquire about somebody/something I called the school to inquire about the application process.
- inquire as to somebody/something She inquired as to your whereabouts.
- inquire why, where, etc… He inquired why you were so late.
- inquire something He inquired her name.
- + speech ‘What is your name?’ he inquired.
Synonyms askaskIn British English people sometimes distinguish between enquire and inquire, using enquire for the general meaning of ‘ask for information’ and inquire for the more particular meaning of ‘officially investigate’ However, you can use either spelling in either meaning. In American English inquire is usually used in both meanings.- enquire
- demand
- ask to say or write something in the form of a question, in order to get information:
- ‘Where are you going?’ she asked.
- She asked the students their names.
- Can I ask a question?
- enquire/inquire (rather formal) to ask somebody for information:
- I called the station to enquire about train times.
- demand to make a very strong request for information:
- ‘And where have you been?’ he demanded angrily.
- to ask/enquire about/after somebody/something
- to ask/enquire/demand something of somebody
- to ask/enquire/demand what/who/how, etc.
- to ask/enquire politely
- to ask/enquire/demand angrily