inquire

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To ask (about something).

   May I inquire to whom I have the honor of speaking?

2. 2
   verb

   To make an inquiry or an investigation.

   Police are already inquiring into the incident.

3. 3
   verb

   To call; to name.

   Canute had his portion from the rest, The which he cald Canutium, for his hyre, Now Cantium, which Kent we commenly inquire.

4. 4
   verb

   have a wish or desire to know something

5. 5
   verb

   inquire about

6. 6
   verb

   conduct an inquiry or investigation of

Etymology

From Latin inquīrō (“to seek for”), composed of in- (“in, at, on; into”) + quaerō (“to seek, look for”), of uncertain origin, but possibly from Proto-Italic *kʷaizeō, from Proto-Indo-European *kʷeh₂- (“to acquire”). Displaced Middle English enqueren (from Old French enquerre, of the same source) and native Middle English speir (“ask, inquire”).