inquire
inquire
Pronunciation
inquire (British and American English have slightly different pronunciations)
British English (Received Pronunciation): /ɪnˈkwaɪə/ (3 syllables)
Syllable 1: /ɪn/ - short "i" sound like "in"
Syllable 2: /ˈkwaɪ/ - long "i" sound followed by a "kw" sound and ending in a diphthong "ai" sound like "eye"
Syllable 3: /ə/ - schwa sound, a very short neutral vowel sound
American English (General American): /ɪnˈkwaɪ(ə)ɹ/ (can be 3 or 4 syllables)
Syllable 1: /ɪn/ - short "i" sound like "in"
Syllable 2: /ˈkwaɪ/ - long "i" sound followed by a "kw" sound and ending in a diphthong "ai" sound like "eye"
Syllable 3 (optional): /ə/ - schwa sound, a very short neutral vowel sound (may or may not be present)
Syllable 4 (optional): /ɹ/ - alveolar tap sound, similar to the "r" in "stir"
Word Form Variations
The word "inquire" has relatively few variations in terms of form. Here's a breakdown:
Verb:
Base form: inquire (singular and plural)
Past tense: inquired (singular and plural)
Past participle: inquired (singular and plural)
Present participle: inquiring (singular and plural)
Gerund: inquiring (singular and plural)
Noun:
Singular: inquiry
Plural: inquiries
There are no other verb conjugations or noun derivations beyond these common forms.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Verb:
Definition:
To ask a question in order to gain information.
To seek knowledge or understanding by asking questions.
Synonyms: question, query, ask, investigate, probe, delve into
Antonyms: (There are no direct antonyms for "inquire" but words suggesting certainty or lack of need for information can be used in contrast) - assume, presume, take for granted
Noun:
Definition:
An instance of asking a question to gain information.
A formal investigation or examination into something.
Synonyms: question, query, request, interrogation, examination, probe, investigation
Antonyms: (There are no direct antonyms for "inquiry" but words suggesting providing information or a lack of investigation can be used in contrast) - statement, answer, explanation, conclusion
Examples of Use
Verb:
Book: "He inquired about her health, and she replied that she was much better." (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice)
Newspaper: "The reporter inquired about the mayor's plans for the upcoming budget." (The New York Times)
Online Publication: "You can inquire about our return policy by visiting our FAQ page." (Company website)
Entertainment (Movie): "Excuse me, sir, could I inquire about the time?" (Character in a historical drama)
Entertainment (TV Show): "The detective began to inquire about the whereabouts of the missing person." (Police drama)
Public Discourse: "The student raised her hand and inquired about the deadline for the assignment." (Classroom setting)
Noun:
Book: "Her inquiry into the family history led her to a small village in Scotland." (Historical fiction novel)
Newspaper: "A government inquiry has been launched into the recent factory fire." (News report)
Online Publication: "Your inquiry regarding your order has been received and will be answered shortly." (Customer service email)
Entertainment (Movie): "The movie depicted a thrilling courtroom inquiry." (Legal thriller)
Entertainment (TV Show): "The team is conducting a full inquiry into the strange phenomenon." (Sci-Fi series)
Public Discourse: "There were several inquiries from the audience about the speaker's presentation." (Public lecture)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Inquire
While there aren't many direct quotes using "inquire" itself, here are ten famous quotes that capture the essence of inquiry and questioning:
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." - Albert Einstein (theoretical physicist)
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." - Voltaire (philosopher)
"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - W.B. Yeats (poet)
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." - Socrates (Greek philosopher)
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain (author)
"There is no wealth like knowledge, and no poverty like ignorance." - Ali ibn Abi Talib (Islamic scholar)
"The unexamined life is not worth living." - Socrates (Greek philosopher)
"The mind is everything. What you think you become." - Buddha (spiritual teacher)
"It is the nature of knowledge to be forgotten." - George Santayana (philosopher, poet, essayist)
"The important thing is to never stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." - Albert Einstein (theoretical physicist) (This quote is repeated here because it perfectly embodies the concept of inquiry)
Etymology
The word "inquire" is like a detective story! Here's the breakdown:
Origin: It all starts with the Latin word "quaerere," which means "to seek" or "to ask." Think of it as someone on a quest for knowledge.
Transformation: Latin had another word, "in," which means "into." Someone clever decided to put these two words together, "in-quaerere," meaning "to seek into something." This became "inquirere" in classical Latin.
French Twist: The word travelled across Europe and landed in Old French, where it became "enquerre." It's like the word got a little French makeover!
English Arrival: Around the 13th century, "enquerre" crossed the English Channel and became "enqueren" in Middle English. Over time, the spelling got a bit more English-friendly, and "inquire" was born.
First Case: The first known use of "inquire" was in the 13th century, and it meant pretty much the same thing it does today – to ask a question to learn something.
So, "inquire" comes from a long line of words all about seeking knowledge and asking questions. It's like a detective finally getting the answer they've been searching for!
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Inquire
Here are some phrases and idioms using the word "inquire":
Phrases:
Inquire about something: This is a common way to express that you're asking for information on a specific topic. (e.g., "I inquired about the price of the new phone.")
Inquire after someone: This is a more formal way to ask about someone's well-being. (e.g., "The doctor inquired after my grandfather's health.")
Make inquiries: This suggests you're actively seeking information from multiple sources. (e.g., "The police are making inquiries about the missing witness.")
Field of inquiry: This refers to a specific area of study or investigation. (e.g., "Her field of inquiry is ancient Egyptian history.")
Idioms (There aren't many direct idioms using "inquire," but here are some related expressions):
Die wondering: This means to never find out the answer to a question and suggests a lack of inquiry.
Leave no stone unturned: This idiom means to explore every possibility or avenue of inquiry in an investigation.
Posts Related to Inquire
Source Information
Definition of inquire from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
