Definition

1. Noun:
   • A systematic investigation of a matter of public interest: "Enquiry" refers to a formal or official process of seeking information or examining facts.
   • A search for knowledge: It can also denote a general act of seeking information or understanding, often through study or questioning.
   • An instance of questioning: "Enquiry" can mean a specific question or request for information.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Systematic Investigation):

  • The government launched an official enquiry into the causes of the accident.
  • The committee's enquiry revealed significant flaws in the system.

• Noun (Search for Knowledge):

  • Scientific enquiry is driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the world.
  • His book is a fascinating enquiry into the nature of happiness.

• Noun (Instance of Questioning):

  • I made an enquiry about the train schedule.
  • Thank you for your enquiry regarding our services.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• "Enquiry" vs. "Inquiry": In British English, "enquiry" is often used for a general question or request for information, while "inquiry" suggests a formal, often lengthy, investigation. In American English, "inquiry" is used for all senses.
• "To hold an enquiry": To conduct a formal investigation.
  • A judge was appointed to hold an enquiry into the allegations.
• "A line of enquiry": A specific area or method of investigation.
  • The police are pursuing several lines of enquiry.

Variants and Related Words

• Inquire (Verb): To ask for information.
  • I will inquire about the availability of tickets.
• Inquirer (Noun): A person who asks questions or seeks information.
• Enquiring (Adjective): Showing an interest in learning new things.
  • She has an enquiring mind.

Synonyms

• Investigation: A formal examination, especially to discover facts.
• Query: A question, especially one asking for information or checking accuracy.
• Probe: A thorough investigation into a matter.

Related Phrases

• Enquiry desk: A place, especially in a public building, where you can go to ask questions.
  • Please direct your questions to the enquiry desk in the lobby.
• Enquiry agent: A formal term, chiefly British, for a private detective.
  • The company hired an enquiry agent to look into the matter.

Idioms

• A court of enquiry: A group of people appointed to investigate a specific event or situation.
  • The military convened a court of enquiry to examine the failed operation.

Noun

1. a systematic investigation of a matter of public interest
2. a search for knowledge
   • their pottery deserves more research than it has received
3. an instance of questioning
   • there was a question about my training
   • we made inquiries of all those who were present