Inquiry
ɪnˈkwaɪəri
Definitions
2 meaningsAn act of asking for information or an investigation.
ɪnˈkwaɪəri
A request for information.
The customer sent an inquiry about the delivery time.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're really curious about something, like why the sky is blue. Making an inquiry is like asking a question to find out more! It is a way of asking for information.
👶 For kids: Asking a question to find out more information about something!
More Examples
The police launched a formal inquiry into the incident.
I'll make an inquiry to the library about their opening hours.
How It's Used
"We received several inquiries about the product launch."
"The journalist filed an inquiry into the company's finances."
A formal investigation or examination of facts or allegations.
ɪnˈkwaɪəri
A formal investigation or examination.
The committee conducted an inquiry into the allegations of misconduct.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a detective solving a mystery. An inquiry is a serious search to find out the truth about something, especially if there might be problems or secrets.
👶 For kids: When people try to find out more information about something that might be wrong or broken.
More Examples
The government launched a public inquiry into the crisis.
The inquiry's findings were published in a detailed report.
How It's Used
"The inquiry revealed serious flaws in the company's safety protocols."
"A public inquiry was established to investigate government corruption."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
make an inquiry
To ask for information.
"I will make an inquiry at the customer service desk about the return policy."
public inquiry
A formal investigation that is open to public observation.
"The government announced a public inquiry to investigate the accident."
From Middle French *enquerre* (to inquire), from Latin *inquirere* (to seek after, search into), from *in-* (in, into) + *quaerere* (to seek, ask).
The word 'inquiry' has been used since the late 14th century, originally with a general sense of 'seeking information'. Its usage in legal and governmental contexts developed over time.
Memory tip
Think of an 'inquiry' as a quest for 'in-formation'.
Word Origin
"to seek, search into"