enquire

Universal Words (also inquire especially in AmE) verb ~ (about sb/sth) (rather formal) to ask sb for some information: [V] I called the station to enquire about train times. * She enquired as to your whereabouts. * [Vwh-] Might I enquire why you have not mentioned this until now? * [VN] He enquired her name. [also Vspeech] PHRASALVERBS enquire after sb (formal) to ask for information about sb, especially about their health or about what they are doing enquire into sth to find out more information about sth SYNINVESTIGATE: A committee was appointed to enquire into the allegations. enquire sth of sb (formal) to ask sb sth: [+speech] 'Will you be staying for lunch?' she enquired of Charles.