Inquiry is a noun that can mean a formal investigationA careful official or systematic examination into a matter or event., a search for knowledgeFacts, understanding, or skills gained through learning or experience., or a question. The most common everyday use is the general act of asking for informationFacts or details given to help someone understand something..
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈɪn.kwɪr.i/
Easy pronunciation: IN-kwih-ree (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress on the first syllable.
Use this pronunciation for the noun meaning an instance of questioning or a request for information.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Inquiry Meaning
a question or an act of asking for information
Part of speech: noun
Definition: an instance of questioning
Example: She sent an inquiry about the course schedule.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- query — A direct question or request for information.
- question — Works well when inquiry means a single request for information.
- enquiry — A British spelling used in similar contexts.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Inquiry
Meaning 2
a formal investigation into an important issue
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a systematic investigation of a matter of public interest
Example: The government ordered an inquiry into the accident.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- enquiry — Used in some varieties of English, but less common than inquiry in this sense.
Meaning 3
an effort to learn or find out something
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a search for knowledge
Example: His lifelong inquiry into ancient history shaped his career.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- research — A strong substitute when inquiry means an investigation or study.
- enquiry — Can fit in the sense of seeking knowledge, especially in British English.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Inquiry Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- query
- question
formal investigation
- enquiry
search for knowledge
- research
- enquiry
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Do not confuse inquiry with interrogation: inquiry is usually neutral, while interrogation suggests forceful or official questioning.
- In British English, enquiry is often used where American English prefers inquiry, but the meanings overlap closely.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does inquiry mean?
Inquiry can mean a question, a request for information, a formal investigation, or a search for knowledge, depending on the context.
What are the best synonyms for inquiry?
For the everyday meaning, the best synonyms are query and question. For the formal investigation sense, research may fit in some contexts, but not all senses are interchangeable.
Is inquiry the same as enquiry?
They are usually very close in meaning. Inquiry is more common in American English, while enquiry is more common in British English.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.