inquiryin‧quir‧y, enquiry /ɪnˈkwaɪəri $ ɪnˈkwaɪri, ˈɪŋkwəri/ ●●○ S3 W2 noun (plural inquiries) 
We’re getting a lot of inquiries about our new London–Rio service.inquiry from inquiries from potential applicants I don’t know who sent the gift, but I’ll make some inquiries.help the police with their inquiries British English (=to answer questions about a crime)► see thesaurus at question2[uncountable] the act or process of asking questions in order to get information: On further inquiry, it emerged that Malcolm had not been involved in the incident. The local council set up a committee of inquiry to look into policing arrangements.scientific/intellectual inquiry3[countable] an official process to find out about somethinginquiry into a judicial inquiry into the deathslaunch/set up/hold an inquiry (into something) The Civil Aviation Authority has agreed to hold an inquiry into the accident. The police have launched a murder inquiry. Parents have called for an independent inquiry into the accident. → line of inquiry at line1(12)COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 1verbsmake an inquiry· The police are making inquiries to discover the cause of the accident.get/have an inquiry (=receive it)· We’ve already had a lot of inquiries about membership of the new sports centre.receive an inquiry formal:· The television station has received several inquiries from viewers requesting a repeat of the programme.handle/deal with an inquiry· Staff will be available to deal with inquiries.answer an inquiry (also respond to an inquiry formal)· The government has not yet answered our inquiry.adjectivesa general inquiry· There is a need for a general inquiry into the train company’s safety standards.a specific inquiry· His job is to answer specific inquiries by individuals or groups.a written inquiry· I submitted a written inquiry to the local council.phrasesa flood/stream of inquiries· The special offer has produced a flood of inquiries from interested customers.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 3verbshold an inquiry· The government has refused to hold an inquiry into the incident.launch/set up an inquiry (=start it)· Police launched an inquiry yesterday after a man was killed by a patrol car.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + inquiryan official inquiry· The outcome of the official inquiry will be eagerly awaited.a public inquiry (=one which is open to members of the public)· MPs are demanding a public inquiry into the explosion at the nuclear power station.an independent inquiry (=one that is organized by people who are not involved in a situation)· The Labour Party is calling for an independent inquiry into the conduct of the police.a police inquiry· The case has been reopened with a police inquiry.a judicial inquiry (=one involving a judge)· Calls for a judicial inquiry into the affair are growing louder.a government inquiry (=organized by the government)· A government inquiry was set up into discipline in schools.a murder inquiry· Police say they haven’t launched a murder inquiry at this stage.an accident inquiry· The accident inquiry revealed that the accident had been caused by human error.a parliamentary/congressional inquiry (=by Parliament/Congress)· The report of a parliamentary inquiry into the drugs trade is published today.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- An inquiry will be held to discover why the school's educational record is so bad.
- Local people are calling for an inquiry into the accident.
- On further inquiry, it became clear that Walters had not been involved.
- The inquiry will be supervised by a senior judge.
- The chancellor must convince students that the inquiry was thorough and fair.
THESAURUS
something that you ask someone, either when speaking or when writing: · Would anyone like to ask any questions?· I’ve emailed the hotel with one or two questions.
especially British English a question that you ask when you are not sure you have understood something or that the information you have is correct: · If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent.· Our staff are always available to answer customers’ queries.
(also enquiry especially British English) a question you ask in order to get information or find out the details about something: · We’ve advertised the house, and we’ve already received lots of enquiries.· The police have been making some inquiries in the area.
a polite or formal question asking for something that you want or need: · The bank said ‘no’ to our request for more money.· You must make your request in writing.
a process in which the police or another organization try to find out the truth about a crime or accident: · Following a major police investigation, two men were arrested.· The investigation into the causes of the air crash are continuing.
an official process to find out why something happened, which usually takes several months or years: · Local people are calling for an inquiry into the accident.· An independent inquiry found serious shortcomings at the children’s home.
a matter that police or officials are trying to find out information about, especially so that it can be dealt with in a court of law: · The case has never been solved.· The police say it is one of the most puzzling cases they have had to deal with.
an investigation in which many questions are asked to find out the truth about something – used especially in journalism: · The TV show featured a probe into charges charged by high street banks.
a legal investigation to find out why someone died: · The inquest heard that Mr Swan was poisoned.
a process in which people are asked questions in order to find out about their opinions or about their behaviour: · They did a survey to find out the most popular pop star.· Based on a survey of 250 companies, the report says that ‘ over two thirds of companies expect operating costs to increase as a result of addressing environmental issues.
British English a medical examination of a dead person’s body, to find out why that person died: · If she died of a drug overdose, it would show up in the autopsy.
Longman Language Activatorsomething that you ask someone what you say or write when you are asking for information: · That's a very difficult question to answer.· Does anyone have any further questions?· There were several questions Melanie wanted to ask the interviewer.question about: · I hate it when strangers ask me questions about my private life.
British a question that you ask when you have not completely understood something or you are not sure that something is true or correct: · If anyone has a query I'll deal with it at the end of the meeting.· I would be happy to answer people's queries if they write to me at my home address.query about: · Since the TV programme the advice bureau has received lots of queries about maternity rights.raise a query (=ask a question): · One of the students raised a query about the marking system.
also enquiry especially British a question you ask in order to get information or find out the details about something: · We have only just put the house up for sale, and we've already received lots of enquiries.inquiry about: · For all inquiries about flight schedules, please call the following number.
a question that deliberately tricks someone, so that they give you the answer that you want or say something that they do not intend to say: · You don't expect me to answer a loaded question like that, do you?· The jurors said interviewers used leading questions and coached the children on how they should answer.
a question that seems easy to answer but has a hidden difficulty: · "Did you have a good time while I was gone?" "That's a trick question, right? If I say yes, you'll be angry that I didn't miss you."
the process of finding out about something a process by which the police or another official organization tries to find out the truth about a crime or accident: · Following a major police investigation, two men have been arrested.investigation into: · The investigation into the cause of the air crash is continuing.carry out an investigation: · Prison officials are carrying out a full investigation after two prisoners escaped from a prison vehicle.full/thorough investigation: · The Senator promised a thorough investigation into the fund-raising activities of both parties.
also enquiry British a series of official meetings at which people try to find out why something happened: · The inquiry will be supervised by a senior judge.inquiry into: · Local people are calling for an inquiry into the accident.hold an inquiry: · An inquiry will be held to discover why the school's educational record is so bad.
a legal process in Britain to find out why someone died: · The inquest heard that Mr Bovary was found hanging by a rope in his bedroom.inquest into: · an inquest into the death of a 54-year-old womanhold an inquest: · An inquest will be held into the actor's death.
/post mortem British a medical examination of a dead person's body, done in order to officially find out why the person died: · If she died of a drug overdose, it will show up in the autopsy.· The post mortem revealed that the man had been shot in the back.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meaning 1verbs an impartial inquiry into the deaths The investigation will be led by Inspector Scarfe. They are leading a campaign to warn teenagers about the dangers of drug abuse. It seemed useless to pursue this line of questioning. Opposition parties soon realized they would have to try a different line of attack. There will be a public inquiry into the sinking of the oil tanker.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· The police are making inquiries to discover the cause of the accident.
(=receive it)· We’ve already had a lot of inquiries about membership of the new sports centre.
formal:· The television station has received several inquiries from viewers requesting a repeat of the programme.
· Staff will be available to deal with inquiries.
(also respond to an inquiry formal)· The government has not yet answered our inquiry.
adjectives· There is a need for a general inquiry into the train company’s safety standards.
· His job is to answer specific inquiries by individuals or groups.
· I submitted a written inquiry to the local council.
phrases· The special offer has produced a flood of inquiries from interested customers.
Meaning 3verbs· The government has refused to hold an inquiry into the incident.
(=start it)· Police launched an inquiry yesterday after a man was killed by a patrol car.
ADJECTIVES/NOUN + inquiry· The outcome of the official inquiry will be eagerly awaited.
(=one which is open to members of the public)· MPs are demanding a public inquiry into the explosion at the nuclear power station.
(=one that is organized by people who are not involved in a situation)· The Labour Party is calling for an independent inquiry into the conduct of the police.
· The case has been reopened with a police inquiry.
(=one involving a judge)· Calls for a judicial inquiry into the affair are growing louder.
(=organized by the government)· A government inquiry was set up into discipline in schools.
· Police say they haven’t launched a murder inquiry at this stage.
· The accident inquiry revealed that the accident had been caused by human error.
(=by Parliament/Congress)· The report of a parliamentary inquiry into the drugs trade is published today.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES· The two deaths are the subject of an accident inquiry.· Accident investigations often take months.
· Relatives have called for an inquiry into the causes of the plane crash.
· A formal inquiry into the cause of death will be carried out.
· A formal inquiry into the cause of death will be carried out.
· Experts conducted an investigation into the causes of the crash.
an impartial inquiry into the deaths (=carried out by or given by an independent person or organization) Human rights groups have called for an independent inquiry into the killings. the results of an independent study
Human rights groups have called for an independent inquiry into the killings. the results of an independent study The investigation will be led by Inspector Scarfe. They are leading a campaign to warn teenagers about the dangers of drug abuse. It seemed useless to pursue this line of questioning. Opposition parties soon realized they would have to try a different line of attack. There will be a public inquiry into the sinking of the oil tanker.· Margaret Elder was giving evidence on the first day of the fatal accident inquiry into drugs deaths in Glasgow.· The latest incidents come just hours after yesterday's fatal accident inquiry into the upsurge of drug deaths in the city.· Angry parents have condemned the fatal accident inquiry into drugs deaths in Glasgow as a waste of time.
· Calls from every side for a full judicial inquiry into the whole affair grew louder.· A full internal inquiry has begun.· They added that a full inquiry would be set up to investigate what happened.· They were immediately suspended on full pay pending a full inquiry.· Stephen Merrell says a full independent inquiry should be held.· If necessary, he suggested, a full commission of inquiry would be established.· Pre-inquiry meetings will be held on February 26 and 27 with the full inquiry starting on May 19.· A Chief Constable has ordered a full inquiry.
· The document could not be used for an independent inquiry arising out of other facts.· They had been spoon-fed for so long that they had lost the habit of independent inquiry.· He hoped that it would express disquiet at the circumstances of the Tully-West shooting and would call publicly for an independent inquiry.· Stephen Merrell says a full independent inquiry should be held.· An independent inquiry into the death of Ashley Kriel, and for his killers to be brought to trial.· They still want an independent inquiry conducted by doctors from outside the Oxfordshire Health Authority.· It has decided to launch an independent inquiry, to see whether more could have been done to help him.· Opposition parties of both the right and left joined with the unions in calling for an independent inquiry into the Fez incidents.
· It insisted on wholly open intellectual inquiry, and on a related entire tolerance.· While Cooley bets his intellectual life upon inquiry that depends upon such methods, these strategies for learning may fall away.
· My right hon. and learned Friend has announced an internal inquiry.· A full internal inquiry has begun.· My hon. Friend suggested that there would be only an internal inquiry.· Two senior officials have been suspended on full pay pending a second internal inquiry.· An internal disciplinary inquiry will now be held, as Clare Lafferty reports.· Helping his government and his country was one thing, but in an internal accounting inquiry that would not show up.
· Calls from every side for a full judicial inquiry into the whole affair grew louder.· A judicial inquiry was ordered, but witnesses were threatened by the police and none would testify.· Pretoria refuses demands for judicial inquiry into assassination squads De Klerk reformist image suffers as cover-up feared.· Calls for a judicial inquiry are right.· In response to Sikh accusations V. P. Singh agreed to the holding of a judicial inquiry into his death.· Opposition parties reacted indignantly to Mr De Klerk's overnight announcement that he would not set up a judicial inquiry.· He agreed that the aim should be a judicial inquiry.
· Under a Labour government, this committee would become an official inquiry into electoral reform.· The clean-up will continue for many months while the outcome of the official inquiry will be eagerly awaited.· The government has launched an official inquiry into his alleged ill-treatment but no findings have been made public.· As protest spread to provincial towns on May 25, Bongo ordered an official inquiry into Rendjambe's death.· But it would look a little odd if we were to start an official inquiry into his origins and background now.· And they are refusing to pay out on the late flood of bets until the official inquiry is complete.· Robert Maxwell was once declared unfit to be in charge of a major public company by an official inquiry.
· But it is the upcoming parliamentary inquiry into the affair that promises to produce the real fireworks.· Shekhar initially apologised over the surveillance and offered a joint parliamentary inquiry.· In October 1989 the opposition unsuccessfully attempted to establish a parliamentary commission of inquiry into the affair.· On June 27 the liberal opposition failed to win sufficient support to set up a parliamentary inquiry.
· Their reservations were voiced at the long-running Sizewell public inquiry, where the Suffolk local authorities have just finished their evidence.· It was agreed to establish a public inquiry into methods of limiting the concentration of newspaper and magazine ownership.· They flew barrage balloons, commissioned perspectives and held a public inquiry.· They wished to proceed with demolition and a public inquiry was held.· Without delving into the legal niceties too deeply, the procedure of a public inquiry generally takes the following form.· Yet they were not consulted before the project started and there has been no public inquiry of any kind.· The parents of Allitt's victims have already failed in a court bid to force a public inquiry.
· In assessing whether a particular doctrine might have encouraged scientific inquiry, such ambivalence must be taken into account.· In fact, the mathematical details are usually secondary to the logic of scientific inquiry.· All three of Kane's categories suffer from implausible assumptions which belong in the realms of racist folklore rather than scientific inquiry.· It is also the explanation of political behavior that has been least fully explored by means of social scientific inquiry.· But we shall not find a consistent position in which the tasks of biblical exegesis and scientific inquiry were no longer mutually relevant.· The fear of sounding racist has conspired to stifle debate and suppress legitimate scientific inquiry.· Mahfouz was applying the spirit of scientific inquiry to spiritual matters.· The great achievements of the seventeenth century seem to testify to a new independence of scientific inquiry.
· The sheriff demanded to know how the solicitor had got hold of a confidential social inquiry report.· It is also the explanation of political behavior that has been least fully explored by means of social scientific inquiry.· He was remanded in custody for social inquiry and medical reports to be prepared.· This part of social inquiry is considered essential by Hughes.· The cases were adjourned for the preparation of social inquiry reports.· Sentence was adjourned for a social inquiry report.· Sentence on Paul Jowers, of no fixed address, was adjourned for a social inquiry report.· Mr Justice Jowitt adjourned sentence for social inquiry and psychiatric reports.
NOUN· Margaret Elder was giving evidence on the first day of the fatal accident inquiry into drugs deaths in Glasgow.· The latest incidents come just hours after yesterday's fatal accident inquiry into the upsurge of drug deaths in the city.· Angry parents have condemned the fatal accident inquiry into drugs deaths in Glasgow as a waste of time.
· That the police should not be involved because Medmelton had been disturbed enough without a murder inquiry being resurrected.· Cleveland Police could not confirm last night whether or not they were treating the matter as a murder inquiry.· It leads to death and a scandalous murder inquiry which threatens to expose some dark secrets.· Rain asked whether there was any progress in the murder inquiry.· Forty detectives are now involved in the murder inquiry.· The murder inquiry based at Mere Way police station now involves sixty officers.· There had been no more news about the murder inquiry by the time Loretta arrived at her office on Monday morning.
· The sheriff demanded to know how the solicitor had got hold of a confidential social inquiry report.· Experience has shown that public inquiry reports are long and difficult to follow.· Sentence was adjourned for a social inquiry report.· Sentence on Paul Jowers, of no fixed address, was adjourned for a social inquiry report.
VERB· My right hon. and learned Friend has announced an internal inquiry.· Mr. Hague I thank my hon. Friend for announcing the inquiry today.
· The retired policeman who began the inquiry.· I began this inquiry for myself about almost a year ago today.· Safety officials have begun an inquiry.· It is wise to allow the inspectorate to begin its inquiry.· Against this background Locke begins his inquiry into the origin and extent of knowledge.
· Nevertheless calls for a congressional inquiry into the October Surprise allegations increased throughout the month as further circumstantial evidence was uncovered.· But the National Union of Students rejected the authority's report and called for an independent inquiry.· The Secretary of State thus had a duty to call a public inquiry.· But after the hearing Mr Pratley's family said they were not satisfied and called for a public inquiry.· We have called for an inquiry by Speaker Betty Boothroyd.· Today, doctors' leaders call for a full inquiry into the dangers of brain damage in boxers.
· That is why I directed Gwent county council to carry out a statutory inquiry into the organisation of the Ty Mawr home.· He was carrying out a routine inquiry when his hand was severed by a Samurai sword.
· Since 1988 we have conducted a confidential inquiry into deaths due to asthma in our district.· Hundt has sought to conduct an inquiry on liquor ads, but commissioners have been deadlocked on the issue.· And the police will conduct an inquiry.· It caused a fine flap and the Election Board had no choice but to conduct an inquiry.· A Palm Beach County grand jury conducted another inquiry, completed in March.· The Department of Elections also is conducting its own inquiry.· Later, according to Ayash, Livingston stripped her of her clinical duties while the hospital conducted an inquiry into her role.
· Peter Wakeham is leading a group of more than a hundred people demanding an inquiry.· Now senators and congressmen have demanded an inquiry, and President Corazón Aquino has promised a crackdown.· Mr Gould wrote to Mr Major demanding an inquiry.
· Construction following a public inquiry is likely to begin in 1997.· Six hundred villas will be built in the Center Parcs development at the Wilts safari park estate following an inquiry.· The decision, following a public inquiry in February, clears the way for a controversial gipsy transit camp.
· At the end of November 1983, I announced that I was going to head an inquiry into occupational pensions.· Fred Thompson, who also heads a forthcoming Senate inquiry into fund-raising excesses by both parties during the 1996 campaign.· The government inspector who headed the two-day public inquiry in January upheld the local authority's fears.· Detective Superintendent Ian Whinnett, heading the inquiry, said she was in a state of deep shock.
· Norton to Saltholme transmission line without holding a public inquiry.· He also criticised the decision to hold a public inquiry in privately-owned property.· Two of the 29 who held the inquiry were members of the Medical Defence Union but not of its managing body.· From 5 July only five strokes will be permitted before local stewards consider holding an inquiry into the rider's performance.· It is certainly right to hold the inquiry but we should not expect too much from it.· With pensions we had been open about holding an inquiry.· He was therefore not bound to hold an inquiry or grant a hearing prior to making the deportation order.· She asked the Secretary of State to hold an inquiry at which parties could be heard and witnesses examined.
· The Justice Department has launched a broader inquiry into the alleged solicitation of foreign donors by the Democrats, particularly Huang.· He then launched an inquiry into why she was granted Legal Aid.· The government has launched an official inquiry into his alleged ill-treatment but no findings have been made public.· Yesterday, teams of police and forensic experts launched a massive inquiry to find the mindless yobs.· Governor Peter Leonard, who launched an inquiry yesterday, said only prompt action by staff prevented a violent free-for-all.· It has decided to launch an independent inquiry, to see whether more could have been done to help him.· Police say they haven't launched a murder inquiry at this stage.
· The man leading the latest inquiry into drug-taking says it confirms our reputation as a nation of substance-abusers.· The row over the 4p increase has now led to a public inquiry.· Det Supt Bob Fenton, who is leading the inquiry, said all the new information would be studied closely.· Complaints have led to an inquiry by the Office of Fair Trading.· Yesterday Chief Insp Harvey Harris, who is leading the inquiry, renewed his appeals for help.
· Police have opened an inquiry into the death.
· The Speaker, Betty Boothroyd, should order an immediate inquiry into the activities of the Whips that night.· As protest spread to provincial towns on May 25, Bongo ordered an official inquiry into Rendjambe's death.· A Chief Constable has ordered a full inquiry.· The League have ordered an inquiry.· The prime minister, Bu lent Ecevit, has ordered an inquiry.· The issue has already prompted Environment Secretary Michael Howerd to order a public inquiry into the proposal.
· The government refused to set up a public inquiry.· My resolve to set up an inquiry into the social security system was strengthened by one other important factor.· It's the fourth such death this year, and the sport's governing body has now set up an inquiry.· Opposition parties reacted indignantly to Mr De Klerk's overnight announcement that he would not set up a judicial inquiry.· He will also be aware that Gwynedd has set up an inquiry into those incidents.· On June 27 the liberal opposition failed to win sufficient support to set up a parliamentary inquiry.· Now officials in Gloucestershire have set up an inquiry.
· Sam Somerville and Duncan McCrea would later tell the inquiry that they were as stunned as those listening on the line.· Survivors of the Paddington rail disaster told the inquiry that inadequate emergency equipment hampered efforts to save lives.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1[countable] a question you ask in order to get informationinquiry about- Another was a newcomer to our church and to our city, doing an Edinburgh house-to-house collection for the first time.
- It was Major Volpi who had been given responsibility for putting up road-blocks and carrying out house-to-house searches.
- Officers would also be making house-to-house inquiries, said a Hertfordshire Police spokesman.
- Peacekeeping troops set up road blocks and conducted house-to-house searches.
- Road blocks were set up and a helicopter brought in from Manchester as police began house-to-house inquiries.
- Some 200 militants were arrested in house-to-house searches beginning on April 13.
- The street collection raised £255.41 and the house-to-house collection realised £2,928.
- We will be making street and house-to-house collections during Battle of Britain Week.
We’re getting a lot of inquiries about our new London–Rio service.inquiry from inquiries from potential applicants I don’t know who sent the gift, but I’ll make some inquiries.help the police with their inquiries British English (=to answer questions about a crime)► see thesaurus at question2[uncountable] the act or process of asking questions in order to get information: On further inquiry, it emerged that Malcolm had not been involved in the incident. The local council set up a committee of inquiry to look into policing arrangements.scientific/intellectual inquiry3[countable] an official process to find out about somethinginquiry into a judicial inquiry into the deathslaunch/set up/hold an inquiry (into something) The Civil Aviation Authority has agreed to hold an inquiry into the accident. The police have launched a murder inquiry. Parents have called for an independent inquiry into the accident. → line of inquiry at line1(12)COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 1verbsmake an inquiry· The police are making inquiries to discover the cause of the accident.get/have an inquiry (=receive it)· We’ve already had a lot of inquiries about membership of the new sports centre.receive an inquiry formal:· The television station has received several inquiries from viewers requesting a repeat of the programme.handle/deal with an inquiry· Staff will be available to deal with inquiries.answer an inquiry (also respond to an inquiry formal)· The government has not yet answered our inquiry.adjectivesa general inquiry· There is a need for a general inquiry into the train company’s safety standards.a specific inquiry· His job is to answer specific inquiries by individuals or groups.a written inquiry· I submitted a written inquiry to the local council.phrasesa flood/stream of inquiries· The special offer has produced a flood of inquiries from interested customers.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 3verbshold an inquiry· The government has refused to hold an inquiry into the incident.launch/set up an inquiry (=start it)· Police launched an inquiry yesterday after a man was killed by a patrol car.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + inquiryan official inquiry· The outcome of the official inquiry will be eagerly awaited.a public inquiry (=one which is open to members of the public)· MPs are demanding a public inquiry into the explosion at the nuclear power station.an independent inquiry (=one that is organized by people who are not involved in a situation)· The Labour Party is calling for an independent inquiry into the conduct of the police.a police inquiry· The case has been reopened with a police inquiry.a judicial inquiry (=one involving a judge)· Calls for a judicial inquiry into the affair are growing louder.a government inquiry (=organized by the government)· A government inquiry was set up into discipline in schools.a murder inquiry· Police say they haven’t launched a murder inquiry at this stage.an accident inquiry· The accident inquiry revealed that the accident had been caused by human error.a parliamentary/congressional inquiry (=by Parliament/Congress)· The report of a parliamentary inquiry into the drugs trade is published today.