noun
inquiry
IN-kwuh-ree/ˈɪnkwəri/
An organized effort to obtain information about a matter.
The investigator gathers records and questions a witness during the inquiry.
Etymology
The verb meaning 'to inquire' probably supplied the basis for this noun. Its earliest sense was a judicial examination to determine truth, which broadened to ordinary attempts to learn something, including requests for information.
In context
impeachment is a process as right now we are only at the inquiry stage where the House investigates and if they conclude that he's guilty after conducting an investigation
More examples
- The city opens an inquiry into the bridge collapse.
- Scientific inquiry often begins with a question about something we observe.
- Two separate inquiries reach the same conclusion about the accident.
Forms
inquiry · inquiries
inquire verb — To seek information by asking questions.
inquirer noun — A person who seeks information or answers.
Similar words
- investigation
- Often focuses on uncovering causes, wrongdoing, or hidden facts.
- examination
- Emphasizes close inspection rather than the broader information-gathering process.
- research
- Usually seeks new knowledge through sustained, systematic study.