enquiry
UK: /ɪnˈkwaɪəri/ | US: /ɪnˈkwaɪri/
n. an act of asking for information
n. a formal investigation or systematic study
The word "enquiry" traces back to the Old French enquerre (to inquire), derived from Latin inquirere, combining in- (into) and quaerere (to seek, ask). The root quir evolved into English as query and question, retaining its core meaning of seeking information. The suffix -y nominalizes the action, forming a term for the process or result of asking.
The committee launched an enquiry into the financial irregularities.
She made an enquiry about the availability of the product.
Scientific enquiry relies on evidence and logical reasoning.
His enquiry was met with a detailed explanation.
The police concluded their enquiry without finding new evidence.