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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Inquiry: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：a question or request for information (inquiry)

inquiry 🔊

/ɪnˈkwaɪəri/

A simple act of asking for information, like a question or a request.

Inquiry as a question: person asking librarian for information at desk

a question or request for information 🔊

➕

/ə ˈkwɛstʃən ɔːr rɪˈkwest fɔːr ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/

The act of asking for information, typically in a polite or formal manner.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'inquirere' (in- 'into' + quaerere 'seek, ask').

💡 Mnemonic

In+quiry: think of 'in' and 'query' – you are 'in' a 'query' mode, seeking answers.

📖 Example

After receiving the product, I sent an inquiry to customer service to ask about the warranty details. 🔊 After receiving the product, I sent an inquiry to customer service to ask about the warranty details.

🔗 Collocations

make an inquiry – to ask a question or request information

send an inquiry – to submit a question or request for information

receive an inquiry – to get a question or request from someone

🔄 Synonyms

question (n.) – A sentence worded to elicit information.

query (n.) – A question, especially one expressing doubt or requesting information.

request (n.) – An act of asking politely for something.

🚫 Antonyms

answer (n.) – A reply to a question or request.

response (n.) – A verbal or written answer.

🌱 Derivatives

inquire (v.) – to ask for information

inquirer (n.) – a person who asks for information

inquiring (adj.) – showing curiosity or desire for information

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'inquirere'. In modern English, 'inquiry' is widely used in legal, scientific, and customer service contexts to denote a formal or informal request for information.

Meaning 2：a formal investigation (inquiry)

inquiry 🔊

/ɪnˈkwaɪəri/

A serious and formal investigation to find out facts or reasons for something.

Inquiry as investigation: committee reviewing documents in formal meeting

a formal investigation 🔊

➕

/ə ˈfɔːrməl ɪnˌvestɪˈɡeɪʃən/

A formal process of collecting facts and evidence to determine the truth about an incident.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The government launched an inquiry into the safety of the new bridge after cracks were discovered. 🔊 The government launched an inquiry into the safety of the new bridge after cracks were discovered.

🔗 Collocations

launch an inquiry – to start a formal investigation

conduct an inquiry – to carry out a formal investigation

inquiry committee – a group appointed to investigate something

🔄 Synonyms

investigation (n.) – A formal examination or search for facts.

probe (n.) – A thorough investigation, often into a specific issue.

examination (n.) – A detailed inspection or analysis.

🚫 Antonyms

neglect (n.) – Failure to give proper attention or care.

🌱 Derivatives

inquire (v.) – to ask for information or investigate

inquirer (n.) – a person who investigates or asks questions

inquisitive (adj.) – curious and eager to learn or investigate