verb
also en·quire ə̇nˈkwī(ə)r, -īə
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English enquiren, inqueren, inquiren, alteration (influenced by Latin inquirere to inquire) of enqueren, from Old French enquerre, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin inquaerere, alteration (influenced by Latin quaerere to seek, ask) of Latin inquirere, from in- in- (II) + -quirere (from quaereṛe )
transitive verb
1. : to ask about or ask : seek to know by asking or questioning
some kindred spirit shall inquire thy fate — Thomas Gray
inquired the way to the station
inquired what the weather was likely to be
2.
a. : to search or search into : investigate , examine
failed to inquire the limits of what can be said — Allen Tate
b. archaic : to search or ask for — often used with out
c. obsolete : interrogate , question
intransitive verb
1. : to put a question : seek for truth or information by questioning : ask
inquired about the horses — American Guide Series: Louisiana
2. : to make investigation or inquiry : engage in study or scrutiny — often used with into
their right to inquire into the activities of the teachers
inquire briefly into the effect that comes from the combination of phrases — E.K.Brown
Synonyms: see ask
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- inquire after