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enquire

enquired; enquiring; enquires

You might enquire, or ask about, the difference between the words enquire and "inquire." Good question. The answer is, not much. They are the same word with different spellings. Typically the British prefer the "e" version, but both are correct.

When you enquire about something, you are asking a question. This can come in many forms. Sometimes when you enquire, you are doing an investigation of a crime or an unsolved mystery. The National Enquirer is a tabloid that investigates celebrity gossip. But enquiring doesn't always have to be so dramatic. You could just be enquiring about the time.

Definitions of enquire
  1. verb
    have a wish or desire to know something
    synonyms: inquire, wonder
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    types:
    request
    inquire for (information)
    seek
    inquire for
    type of:
    query, question
    pose a question
  2. verb
    inquire about
    synonyms: ask, inquire
    ask
    direct or put; seek an answer to
    ask
    address a question to and expect an answer from
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    types:
    pry
    be nosey
    confer with, consult
    get or ask advice from
    type of:
    communicate, intercommunicate
    transmit thoughts or feelings
  3. verb
    conduct an inquiry or investigation of
    synonyms: inquire, investigate
    see moresee less
    types:
    spy
    secretly collect sensitive or classified information; engage in espionage
    type of:
    examine, probe
    question or examine thoroughly and closely
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘enquire'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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