Definition

1. Noun:
   • A systematic investigation of a matter of public interest: A formal process of seeking information or truth, often official or scientific in nature.
   • An instance of questioning: The act of asking for information; a question or series of questions.
   • A search for knowledge: A process of exploration or study to discover facts or principles.

Usage

• Inquiry is used to describe a formal investigation, a simple question, or a scholarly pursuit. It often implies a methodical or serious effort to find information.
• It is commonly used in academic, legal, and official contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The government launched a public inquiry into the causes of the disaster. (A formal, systematic investigation.)
  • I made an inquiry at the information desk about the train schedule. (An act of asking a question.)
  • Scientific inquiry is driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the world. (A search for knowledge.)

Advanced Usage

• "Line of inquiry": A specific area or method of investigation.
  • The detective pursued a new line of inquiry based on the fresh evidence.
• "Court of inquiry": An official group appointed to investigate a specific matter.
  • A court of inquiry was convened to examine the military incident.

Variants and Related Words

• Enquire/Inquire (verb): To ask for information.
  • I will inquire about the availability of tickets.
• Inquirer (noun): A person who asks questions or investigates.
  • The inquirer sought clarification on the new policy.
• Inquiring (adjective): Showing an interest in learning things.
  • She has an inquiring mind and loves to read.

Synonyms

• Investigation: A formal or systematic examination.
• Question: A sentence worded to elicit information.
• Probe: A thorough investigation.
• Research: The systematic investigation into materials and sources to establish facts.

Related Phrases

• Hold an inquiry: To conduct a formal investigation.
  • The committee will hold an inquiry into the financial irregularities.
• Field of inquiry: A particular subject or area of study.
  • Astrophysics is his main field of inquiry.

Idioms

• Inquiry of the mind: A metaphorical way to describe intellectual curiosity or the process of thinking.
  • Philosophy begins with an inquiry of the mind into the fundamental nature of existence.

Noun

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