inquire

Everyday

1. To ask for information about something: inquire about the times of trains. tree →
2. (formal) To ask someone something politely: «May I inquire your name?» tree →
3. To investigate officially: inquire into an accident. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, people inquire at reception or the information desk. In science, «enquiry» or «inquiry» learning means asking questions and testing them. In news and law, officials inquire into accidents and complaints. Phrases: inquire about, inquire after someone (ask how they are), inquire into, inquire within (on shop signs).

Examples

• Mum inquired about swimming lessons at the leisure centre. tree →
• «May I inquire where you are going?» asked the guard. tree →
• The sign said «Part-time job — inquire within». tree →
• The council will inquire into the playground accident. tree →
• Grandma always inquires after my health. tree →
• We inquired how long the train would take. tree →
• "But why not?" inquired the prince. tree →

Note

In the UK many use «enquire» for asking and «inquire» for official investigations; in the US «inquire» is used for both. Nouns: «inquiry», «enquiry». «Inquire» is more formal than «ask».

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah it often means to ask God for guidance, or for judges to investigate carefully. In Samuel it is used for David asking God what to do, and also for ordinary asking about a person.

Interpretation. The law requires thorough questioning of witnesses before judging. Rabbis taught that a court must examine testimony with great care, and that a leader may seek God's answer.

Examples

• And they said: 'We will call the damsel, and inquire at her mouth.' (Torah GEN.24.57, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Moses said unto his father-in-law: 'Because the people come unto me to inquire of God; (Torah EXO.18.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the judges shall inquire diligently; and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother; (Torah DEU.19.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• Then David inquired of the LORD yet again. (Prophets 1SA.23.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• And David sent and inquired after the woman. (Prophets 2SA.11.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the king said: 'Inquire thou whose son the stripling is.' (Prophets 1SA.17.56, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

In the UK many use «enquire» for asking and «inquire» for official investigations; in the US «inquire» is used for both. Nouns: «inquiry», «enquiry». «Inquire» is more formal than «ask».