what does inquire mean
“Inquire” means to ask for information or to investigate something.
Basic meaning
- To inquire is to ask a question so you can learn something.
- It can also mean to look into or investigate a matter more deeply.
Example uses:
- “I called to inquire about the price of the tickets.” (ask for information)
- “A panel was appointed to inquire into the accident.” (official investigation)
Everyday vs. formal use
- In everyday conversation, inquire often just means “ask”: you inquire about someone’s health, a job, a product, or a schedule.
- In more formal or official contexts, inquire suggests an investigation, as in “inquire into possible causes” or “a committee will inquire into the issue.”
Related forms and phrases
- Inquiry : the act of asking or investigating (“We received many inquiries about the event.”).
- Inquire about something or someone: “She called to inquire about the application process.”
- Inquire into something: “They will inquire into the company’s finances.” (investigate).
- Inquire of someone: “He inquired of the teacher whether the test was postponed.” (ask a person).
Quick note: “inquire” vs. “enquire”
- In American English, “inquire” is strongly preferred for both everyday questions and formal investigations.
- In British English, some writers use “enquire” for general asking and “inquire” for official investigations, but both spellings can be used with either meaning.
TL;DR: Inquire = ask for information or carry out an investigation, especially in a somewhat formal way.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
