in·quire (ĭn-kwīr') also en·quire (ĕn-)

v., -quired, also -quired, -quir·ing, -quir·ing, -quires, -quires.

v.intr.

1. To seek information by asking a question: inquired about prices.
2. To make an inquiry or investigation: inquire into the extent of the corruption.

v.tr.

1. To ask about.
2. To ask: "I am free to inquire what a work of art means to me" (Bernard Berenson). See synonyms at ask.

phrasal verb:

inquire after

1. To ask about the health or condition of.

[Middle English enquiren, from Old French enquerre, from Vulgar Latin *inquaerere, alteration of Latin inquīrere : in-, into; see in-² + quaerere, to seek.]

inquirer in·quir'er n.
inquiringly in·quir'ing·ly adv.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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