inquire verb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced American Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

Definition of inquire verb from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

inquire

verb

(also enquire) verb

NAmE//ɪnˈkwaɪər//

[intransitive, transitive] (rather formal)Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they inquire he / she / it inquires past simple inquired -ing form inquiring

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to ask someone for some information inquire (about somebody/something) I called the school to inquire about the application process. inquire (as to somebody/something) She inquired as to your whereabouts. inquire why, where, etc… He inquired why you were so late. inquire something He inquired her name. + speech “What is your name?” he inquired. Thesaurusask

inquire
demand

These words all mean to say or write something in the form of a question, in order to get information.

ask to say or write something in the form of a question, in order to get information:“Where are you going?” she asked. She asked the students their names. Can I ask a question?
inquire (somewhat formal) to ask someone for information:I am writing to inquire about the research position. May I inquire who's calling, please?(= on the telephone)
demand to ask a question very firmly:The client demanded an explanation. “I demand to know who wrote this,” he said.

Patterns

to ask/inquire about/after somebody/something
to ask/demand something of somebody
to ask/inquire/demand to know what/who/how, etc.
to ask/inquire politely
to ask/inquire/demand angrily

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Phrasal Verbsinquire after inquire into inquire of

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inquire

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