Inquiry — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /in-ˈkwī(-ə)r-ē/ in·qui·ry

Meaning & Definition of Inquiry

Inquiry (noun)

  1. a request for information
  2. a systematic investigation often of a matter of public interest
  3. examination into facts or principles, research

Inquiry (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a systematic search for the truth or facts about something

    "an inquiry into the origins of the universe"

    similar: delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquisition, investigation, probation, probe, probing, research, study
    related: quest, audit, check, checkup, diagnosis, inspection, hearing, interrogation, trial, feeler, query, question, poll, questionary, questionnaire, survey, challenge, cross-examination, going-over, grilling, quiz, rehearing, reinvestigation, self-examination, self-exploration, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, soul-searching

  2. an act or instance of asking for information

    "one student made a hesitant inquiry about the assignment"

    similar: call, query, question, request
    related: interrogatory, poll, questionnaire, survey, inquisition, interrogating, interrogation, questioning, examination, exploration, inquest, investigation, probe, probing, research, study
    near: answer, reply, response

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Inquiry

The most common words with a similar meaning to Inquiry:

delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquisition, investigation, probation, probe, probing, research, study, call, query, question, request

Related Words for Inquiry

quest, audit, check, checkup, diagnosis, inspection, hearing, interrogation, trial, feeler, poll, questionary, questionnaire, survey, challenge, cross-examination, going-over, grilling, quiz, rehearing, reinvestigation, self-examination, self-exploration, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, soul-searching, interrogatory, interrogating, questioning

Near Antonyms of Inquiry

answer, reply, response

Word Forms of Inquiry

Inflections: inquiries

Origin & Etymology of Inquiry

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Inquiry

Words & Phrases Containing Inquiry

court of inquiry

Frequently Asked Questions about Inquiry

What does "Inquiry" mean?

"Inquiry" means a request for information. As a noun, it is defined as: a request for information. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Inquiry"?

Other words for "Inquiry" include delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquisition and investigation. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Inquiry" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Inquiry"?

There are 47 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Inquiry". Common alternatives include delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquisition, investigation, probation and probe.

How do you use "Inquiry" in a sentence?

Examples of "Inquiry" in a sentence: "an inquiry into the origins of the universe"; "one student made a hesitant inquiry about the assignment".

Is "Inquiry" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Inquiry" is a noun.

Is "Inquiry" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Inquiry" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Inquiry"?

"Inquiry" is pronounced /in-ˈkwī(-ə)r-ē/ and divided into syllables as in·qui·ry.

What is the origin of the word "Inquiry"?

First known use: 15th century.