Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Inquire
In-quire′
,Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Inquired
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Inquiring
.] [OE.
enqueren
, inqueren
, OF. enquerre
, F. enquérir
, L. inquirere
, inquisitum
; pref. in-
in + quarere
to seek. See Quest
a seeking, and cf. Inquiry
.] [Written also
enquire
.] 1.
To ask a question; to seek for truth or information by putting queries.
We will call the damsel, and
inquire
. Gen. xxiv. 57.
Then David
inquired
of the Lord yet again. And the Lord answered him. 1 Sam. xxiii. 4.
2.
To seek to learn anything by recourse to the proper means of knowledge; to make examination.
And
Gladly into the ways of God with man.
inquire
Gladly into the ways of God with man.
Miltom.
☞ This word is followed by of before the person asked; as, to inquire of a neighbor. It is followed by concerning, after, or about, before the subject of inquiry; as, his friends inquired about or concerning his welfare. “Thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.”
Eccl. vii. 10.
It is followed by into when search is made for particular knowledge or information; as, to inquire into the cause of a sudden death. It is followed by for or after when a place or person is sought, or something is missing. “Inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus.” Acts ix. 11.
In-quire′
,Verb.
T.
1.
To ask about; to seek to know by asking; to make examination or inquiry respecting.
Having thus at length
inquired
the truth concerning law and dispense. Milton.
And all obey and few
inquire
his will. Byron.
Syn. – To ask; question. See
Question
. Webster 1828 Edition
Inquire
INQUI'RE
,Verb.
I.
1.
To ask a question; to seek for truth or information by asking questions. We will call the damsel and inquire at her mouth. Gen.24.
It has of before the person asked. Enquire of them, or of him. It has of, concerning, or after, before the subject of inquiry.
He sent Hadoram, his son, to king David to inquire of his welfare. 1 Chron.18.
For thou does not inquire wisely concerning this.
Eccl. 7.
When search is to be made for particular knowledge or information, it is followed by into. The coroner by jury inquires into the cause of a sudden death. When a place or person is sought, or something hid or missing, for is commonly used. Inquire for Saul of Tarsus. He was inquiring for the house to which he was directed. Inquire for the cloke that is lost. Inquire for the right road. Sometimes it is followed by after. Inquire after the right way.
When some general information is sought, this verb is followed by about; sometimes by concerning. His friends inquired about him; they inquired concerning his welfare.
2.
To seek for truth by argument or the discussion of questions, or by investigation.To inquire into, to make examination; to seek for particular information. Inquire into the time, manner and place. Inquire into all the circumstances of the case.
INQUI'RE
,Verb.
T.
Definition 2024
inquire
inquire
English
Alternative forms
- enquire (chiefly British)
Verb
inquire (third-person singular simple present inquires, present participle inquiring, simple past and past participle inquired) (transitive, intransitive)
- (US) To ask (about something).
- To make an inquiry or an investigation.
- 1915, Emerson Hough, The Purchase Price, chapterI:
- "A fine man, that Dunwody, yonder," commented the young captain, as they parted, and as he turned to his prisoner. "We'll see him on in Washington some day. […] A strong man—a strong one; and a heedless." ¶ "Of what party is he?" she inquired, as though casually.
- 1915, Emerson Hough, The Purchase Price, chapterI:
Usage notes
- In British English, the spelling enquire is more common, with inquire often reserved for official inquests. In Canada and the US, both spellings are acceptable, though inquire is favored.
Synonyms
Related terms
Derived terms
Translations
to ask about something
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