inquiry
UK: ɪnˈkwaɪəri | US: ɪnˈkwaɪri
n. a request for information
n. an official investigation
n. the act of asking questions to seek knowledge
The word "inquiry" traces back to Latin inquirere, combining in- (into) and quaerere (to ask, seek). The root quir evolved into Middle English enqueren, later standardized as "inquire." The suffix -y nominalizes the verb, forming "inquiry" to denote the process or result of seeking information. The logic reflects a progression from physical searching ("ask into") to abstract investigation.
The committee launched an inquiry into the financial irregularities.
Her scientific inquiry led to groundbreaking discoveries.
Please submit your inquiry via the contact form.
The police are conducting inquiries about the missing person.
Philosophical inquiry often challenges societal norms.