inquire Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb inquire about
ask; enquire.
- I asked about their special today
- He had to ask directions several times
verb have a wish or desire to know something
enquire; wonder.
- He wondered who had built this beautiful church
verb conduct an inquiry or investigation of
investigate; enquire.
- The district attorney's office investigated reports of possible irregularities
- inquire into the disappearance of the rich old lady

OE. enqueren, inqueren, OF. enquerre, F. enquérir, L. inquirere, inquisitum; pref. in- in + quarere to seek. See Quest a seeking, and cf. Inquiry.

imperfect & past participle Inquired ; present participle & verbal noun Inquiring

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.
To seek to learn anything by recourse to the proper means of knoledge; to make examination.
And 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.

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.
To call or name. Obs. Spenser. Syn. -- To ask; question. See Question.