How Do You Spell INQUIRE?

Pronunciation: [ɪnkwˈa͡ɪ͡ə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "inquire" can be tricky for some because it contains a silent "u". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ɪnˈkwaɪər/. The "in" sounds like "ihn" with a short "i" sound. The "qu" is pronounced as "kw", and the "i" sounds like "eye". The final "re" is pronounced as "er". Overall, the word is pronounced as "ihn-KWY-er", which may not match its spelling, but will help you say it correctly.

INQUIRE Meaning and Definition

  1. The verb "inquire" refers to the act of seeking or obtaining information, knowledge, or facts through a systematic process of questioning or investigating. It involves a deliberate effort to discover or explore a particular subject or matter.

    When one begins to inquire about something, they are typically driven by curiosity, a need for clarification, or a desire to know more about a specific topic. This process often involves posing questions, making inquiries, or conducting research in order to gain a deeper understanding or obtain the desired information.

    Inquiring can take various forms depending on the context, such as asking someone directly, sending written inquiries or emails, searching for information in books or online sources, or consulting experts in a particular field. The goal of inquiry is to gather relevant and accurate information, often with the intention of resolving doubts, making informed decisions, or furthering knowledge.

    Inquiry can occur in a wide range of situations, including personal, academic, professional, or legal contexts. It is considered an essential skill as it helps individuals acquire knowledge, engage in critical thinking, and solve problems. By inquiring, people can expand their understanding and perspectives, challenge assumptions, and make informed choices.

  2. To seek for or after; to seek, as for truth by discussion or investigation; to ask about.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for INQUIRE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for INQUIRE

Etymology of INQUIRE

The word inquire originated from the Latin verb inquirere, which is derived from the combination of the prefix in- (meaning into) and the verb quaerere (meaning to seek). Over time, the Latin inquirere evolved into the Old French word enquerre, which made its way into Middle English as enqueren or enquiry. Eventually, the spelling shifted to inquire in modern English, while the noun form became inquiry.

Idioms with the word INQUIRE

  • might I ask/inquire/know The idiom "might I ask/inquire/know" is used as a polite way to request information or seek clarification on something. It is often employed when addressing someone in a formal or polite manner to show respect or avoid sounding too direct or presumptuous.
  • inquire after The idiom "inquire after" means to ask about someone's well-being or to seek information or updates about someone's health, welfare, or condition.
  • inquire into sth The idiom "inquire into something" means to investigate, examine, or study a particular matter or issue with the intention of acquiring information or understanding about it.
  • inquire for sm The definition of the idiom "inquire for sm" is to ask about or request information specifically for someone.
  • inquire after sm The idiom "inquire after someone" means to ask about someone's well-being or health, typically as a courtesy or out of concern.
  • inquire about sm or sth The idiom "inquire about someone or something" means to ask for information or seek more details about a person or a specific topic. It involves showing interest or curiosity by requesting further knowledge or clarification on a particular subject.
  • inquire sth of sm The idiom "inquire something of someone" means to ask or seek information or clarification about something from someone. It implies a specific question or inquiry directed towards a person in order to obtain knowledge or details on a particular subject.
  • inquire about The idiom "inquire about" means to ask for information or details regarding something in a formal or official manner. It involves seeking clarification, facts, or making a request for more information about a particular subject or matter.
  • inquire into The idiom "inquire into" means to investigate, delve into, or examine something with the intention of seeking information, knowledge, or understanding about it.
  • inquire about someone or something To "inquire about someone or something" means to seek information or make an inquiry regarding a person or thing. It implies the act of asking questions or making a formal request for details, typically to obtain knowledge or clarify a certain matter.
  • inquire after someone The idiom "inquire after someone" means to ask about someone's well-being, to seek information or updates regarding their health, whereabouts, or general conditions, usually out of care or concern.
  • inquire for someone The idiom "inquire for someone" typically means to ask about the well-being or whereabouts of a specific person. It implies seeking information or updates about that individual.
  • inquire into something The idiom "inquire into something" refers to the act of investigating, probing, or examining a subject in order to gain more information or understanding about it. It involves seeking details, facts, or explanations about a specific matter or issue.
  • inquire something of someone The idiom "inquire something of someone" means to ask or seek information or an explanation about a particular topic from someone. It involves seeking answers or clarification from a specific person who may possess the knowledge or insight needed.
  • inquire within The idiom "inquire within" means to ask or seek information from someone or a particular source directly. It suggests that the person or source being referred to can provide the necessary information or guidance.

Similar spelling words for INQUIRE

Conjugate verb Inquire

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have inquired
you would have inquired
he/she/it would have inquired
we would have inquired
they would have inquired
I would have inquire
you would have inquire
he/she/it would have inquire
we would have inquire
they would have inquire

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been inquiring
you would have been inquiring
he/she/it would have been inquiring
we would have been inquiring
they would have been inquiring

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would inquire
you would inquire
he/she/it would inquire
we would inquire
they would inquire

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be inquiring
you would be inquiring
he/she/it would be inquiring
we would be inquiring
they would be inquiring

FUTURE

I will inquire
you will inquire
he/she/it will inquire
we will inquire
they will inquire

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be inquiring
you will be inquiring
he/she/it will be inquiring
we will be inquiring
they will be inquiring

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have inquired
you will have inquired
he/she/it will have inquired
we will have inquired
they will have inquired

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been inquiring
you will have been inquiring
he/she/it will have been inquiring
we will have been inquiring
they will have been inquiring

IMPERATIVE

you inquire
we let´s inquire

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to inquire

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was inquiring
you were inquiring
he/she/it was inquiring
we were inquiring
they were inquiring

PAST PARTICIPLE

inquired

PAST PERFECT

I had inquired
you had inquired
he/she/it had inquired
we had inquired
they had inquired

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been inquiring
you had been inquiring
he/she/it had been inquiring
we had been inquiring
they had been inquiring

PRESENT

I inquire
you inquire
he/she/it inquires
we inquire
they inquire

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am inquiring
you are inquiring
he/she/it is inquiring
we are inquiring
they are inquiring

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

inquiring

PRESENT PERFECT

I have inquired
you have inquired
he/she/it has inquired
we have inquired
they have inquired

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been inquiring
you have been inquiring
he/she/it has been inquiring
we have been inquiring
they have been inquiring

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it inquire

SIMPLE PAST

I inquired
you inquired
he/she/it inquired
we inquired
they inquired

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