These days, the two terms are often used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between the two. Enquiry means to ask a question, and inquiry is a formal investigation. Yet another difference lies in the etymological source of the prefixes 'en' and 'in'. 'En' comes from French, and 'in' from Latin. Inquiry has a formal and official ring to it, while enquiry is informal in its connotation.
In general parlance, it is understood that enquire is to be used for 'asking', while inquire is what constitutes 'making a formal investigation'. In reality though, enquiry is preferred in British English, whereas the Americans are more comfortable with inquiry. As a matter of fact, it is only in British English that any attention is paid to the distinction. In US and Australian English, inquiry has, for all practical purposes, taken over.
Another way of distinguishing between the two terms, is to know the differences between the Enquiry Based System of Education (ECB) and the Inquiry Based System of Education (ICB). At the ECB, the students are encouraged to be naturally inquisitive and curious, and base their queries on their innate desire to learn. In the latter case, the focus is on conforming to the syllabus, and asking questions which assist with that task, while not paying too much attention to attaining pure knowledge.
If you wanted to find a place where you could order your visiting cards, you would make enquiries with your friends or business associates. On the other hand, if a former employer of yours were to withhold your dues, you would get an inquiry instituted against him by the relevant authorities.
In spite of there being a clear distinction in the meanings of the two terms, people, more often than not, use them interchangeably. You could say that enquiry is a request for truth, knowledge or information, whereas an inquiry is an investigation into something.
For the common man, the two are the same, and he could use the two terms for the same thing, without a thought, and be well understood by everyone. People that are more erudite and aware, would perhaps be more careful with their choice of terms, and use the one that is appropriate for the occasion. However, in certain matters, such as an official inquiry ordered by a court of law, you would think twice before replacing inquiry with enquiry.
Summary:
1. Enquiry means asking a question, and inquiry is a formal investigation.
2. The prefix 'en' comes from French, and 'in' from Latin.
3. Enquiry is a request for truth, knowledge or information, whereas an inquiry is an investigation into something.
4. Enquiry is preferred in British English, whereas the Americans are more comfortable with inquiry.
5. In spite of there being a clear distinction in the meanings of the two terms, people often use them interchangeably.
Investigation, probe, examination.
An official investigation is typically called a "probe" or an "inquiry" conducted by law enforcement agencies, government bodies, or specialized investigation teams to gather information, evidence, and facts related to a specific incident or case.
Catechism, Examination, Inquest, Inquiring, Inquiry, Inquisition, Interrogation, Interrogatory, Investigation, Poll, Query, Wringer, Challenge, Cross-Examine, Enquire, Interview, Petition, Probe, Quiz, Solicit.
Higher Education Caste system
One major difference between an artificial satellite and a space probe is that an artificial satellite typically orbits a celestial body, such as Earth, while a space probe is designed to travel through space to explore other celestial bodies.
the difference between a probe and a lander is a lander is a spacecraft that desends and comes to rest on the surface of a planet/space object. while a probe is a device used to collect items and run tests to collect data.
A satellite is a craft in orbit around another body. A probe either passes by another body or goes to that body and lands (an sometimes returns).
question, analysis, audit, catechizing, check, cross-examination, delving, disquisition, examination, exploration, fishing expedition, grilling, hearing, inquest, inquisition, inspection, interrogation, interrogatory, investigation, legwork, poll, probe, probing, pursuit, query, quest, question, questioning, quizzing, request, research, scrutiny, search, study, survey, third degree, trial balloon
It is possible, but scientists will not be sure until they launch a probe to make an in-depth investigation of Titan.
Well, a satellite revolves about 80 times faster than the probe. The probe masters different situations which cause orbital problems. Escape velocity doesn't have the power that regards to the probe. Scientists assume that the satellite has the power, but others don't. The probe connects to orbital velocity and has the power to control it.
the difference between a probe and a lander is a lander is a spacecraft that desends and comes to rest on the surface of a planet/space object. while a probe is a device used to collect items and run tests to collect data.
Forceps are instruments that are used to extract the teeth while the blunt probes are used to locate caries.