noun

enquiry

inquiry, question, investigation

I made an enquiry about the train times.

I made an inquiry about the train times.

The police have started an enquiry into the incident.

The police have started an inquiry into the incident.

((an inquiry)) ((about sth.)) a question about something I made an inquiry about the train times.

((an inquiry)) ((into sth.)) an investigation into something The police started an inquiry into the incident.

Synonyms: question, query, investigation; Antonyms: answer, reply

From Old French 'enquerre' (to ask), from Latin 'inquīrere' (to seek for). Composed of 'en-' (in) + 'quire' (to seek). Note: 'inquiry' is the more common spelling in US English.

Think of an 'inquiry' as going 'in' to 'query' or ask something. This spelling is standard in American English for both general questions and formal investigations.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.