Word
enquire
Meanings
to ask for information in a polite or formal way
to investigate something in order to discover the facts
Definition
To enquire means to ask for information or to investigate something, especially in a formal or polite way.
To enquire is to ask questions in order to get more information, often in a careful or official manner. It is commonly used in British English in both everyday and formal contexts. You can enquire about details, enquire into a problem, or enquire whether something is true.
Examples
- I enquired about the conference schedule, but the organisers said it was still being finalised.
- She enquired whether the museum offered guided tours in the afternoon.
- They enquired into the cause of the repeated delays and documented every step of the process.
- You should enquire at reception if you need an extra key card for your room.
Common mistake
Learners often misspell it as "inquire" or mix the two forms; "enquire" is the more common spelling in British English.
More at C1 level
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More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.