Definition

1. Verb:
   • To ask for information: To seek information by asking a question or questions.
   • To investigate: To conduct a formal or systematic investigation into something.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • I will enquire about the train schedule at the station. (I will ask for information about the train schedule.)
  • The committee decided to enquire into the cause of the accident. (The committee decided to investigate the cause.)
  • She enquired after your health. (She asked about how you are feeling.)

Advanced Usage

• "to enquire within": A phrase often seen on signs, meaning to ask for more information inside a building.
  • For job vacancies, please enquire within.
• "to enquire of someone": A formal way to say to ask someone a question.
  • He enquired of the guard whether the museum was open.

Variants and Related Words

• Inquire: This is the more common spelling, especially in American English. "Enquire" and "inquire" are often used interchangeably, though "enquire" is sometimes preferred for general asking and "inquire" for formal investigations.
• Enquiry (noun): The act of asking or an investigation.
  • I made an enquiry about the price.
• Inquiry (noun): The more common spelling for the noun, especially for formal investigations.
  • A public inquiry was launched.

Synonyms

• Ask: To say something in order to get an answer.
• Question: To ask someone questions, especially officially.
• Investigate: To try to find out the facts about something.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Enquire after: To ask about someone's health or well-being.
  • He called to enquire after his grandmother.
• Enquire into: To investigate something thoroughly.
  • The police will enquire into the allegations.
• Enquire for: To ask to see or speak to someone; to ask if something is available.
  • A gentleman is at the door enquiring for you.
  • I enquired for the book, but it was out of stock.

Related Idioms

• None specifically for "enquire". The common idioms use the variant "inquire," such as "inquire within" (as above).

Verb

1. have a wish or desire to know something
   • He wondered who had built this beautiful church
2. conduct an inquiry or investigation of
   • The district attorney's office investigated reports of possible irregularities
   • inquire into the disappearance of the rich old lady
3. inquire about
   • I asked about their special today
   • He had to ask directions several times