inquire

[in-kwahyuh r] /ɪnˈkwaɪər/
verb (used without object), inquired, inquiring.
1.
to seek information by questioning; ask:
to inquire about a person.
2.
to make investigation (usually followed by into):
to inquire into the incident.
verb (used with object), inquired, inquiring.
3.
to seek to learn by asking:
to inquire a person's name.
4.
Obsolete. to seek.
5.
Obsolete. to question (a person).
Verb phrases
6.
inquire after, to ask about the state of health or condition of:
Friends have been calling all morning to inquire after you.
Also, enquire.
Origin
1250-1300; Middle English < Latin inquīrere to seek for (see in-2, query); replacing Middle English enqueren < Old French enquerre < Latin, as above
Related forms
inquirable, adjective
inquirer, noun
reinquire, verb, reinquired, reinquiring.
uninquired, adjective
Can be confused
inquirer, inquisitor.
Synonyms
1–3. investigate, examine, query. Inquire, ask, question imply that a person addresses another to obtain information. Ask is the general word: to ask what time it is. Inquire is more formal and implies asking about something specific: to inquire about a rumor. To question implies repetition and persistence in asking; it often applies to legal examination or investigation: to question the survivor of an accident. Sometimes it implies doubt: to question a figure, an account.
British Dictionary definitions for inquire after

inquire

/ɪnˈkwaɪə/
verb
1.
  1. to seek information; ask: she inquired his age, she inquired about rates of pay
  2. (foll by of) to ask (a person) for information: I'll inquire of my aunt when she is coming
2.
(intransitive) often foll by into. to make a search or investigation
Derived Forms
inquirer, enquirer, noun
Word Origin
C13: from Latin inquīrere from in-² + quaerere to seek
Word Origin and History for inquire after

inquire

v.

late 13c., from Old French enquerre "ask, inquire about" (Modern French enquérir), from Vulgar Latin *inquaerere, from Latin in- "into" (see in- (2)) + quaerere "ask, seek" (see query (v.)). Respelled 14c. on Latin model, but half-Latinized enquire still persists. Related: Inquired; inquiring; inquiringly.

Idioms and Phrases with inquire after

inquire after

Ask about the health or condition of someone or something. For example, She was inquiring after you in particular. [ c. 1600 ]