inquire
v.v. to ask someone for information about something. You use this when you want to find out facts or details in a polite way.
v. to seek information by questioning; to make an investigation or formal request for data. Often used in professional or official correspondence.
I called the shop to inquire about their opening hours.
The detective arrived at the scene to inquire whether anyone had seen the suspect leaving the building.
Prospective students are encouraged to inquire regarding the availability of financial aid before submitting their final applications to the university registrar.
From Latin inquīrō (“to seek for”), composed of in- (“in, at, on; into”) + quaerō (“I seek, look for”), of uncertain origin, but possibly from Proto-Italic kʷaizeō, from Proto-Indo-European kʷeh₂- (“to acquire”). Displaced Middle English enqueren (from Old French enquerre, of the same source) and native Middle English speir (“ask, inquire”).
Often followed by the prepositions 'about', 'into', or 'after'.
I inquired him the price.I inquired about the price.Inquire is usually intransitive or followed by a preposition; it does not take a person as a direct object like 'ask' does.