Pronunciation: [ɪnkwˈa͡ɪ͡əɹɪ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "inquiry" can be a bit tricky. It is pronounced /ɪnˈkwaɪəri/ (in-KWY-uh-ree), with the stress on the second syllable. The letter "i" in the second syllable is pronounced like the "e" in "me". The letter "y" in the third syllable is pronounced like the "i" in "sin". Overall, the spelling of this word follows common English spelling rules, but the pronunciation may take some practice to master.
Inquiry refers to the act of seeking or obtaining information, knowledge, or clarification by asking questions or conducting investigations. It involves a process of systematic exploration, examination, and investigation, often driven by a curious mind or a desire to understand and acquire knowledge about a specific subject or topic.
Inquiry can take various forms and be conducted through different methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments. It is commonly associated with academic, scientific, or research endeavors, where individuals or groups strive to gather data, analyze evidence, and draw conclusions in order to contribute to a body of knowledge.
However, inquiry is not limited to formal research settings. It is a fundamental cognitive function that is deeply embedded in human learning and the acquisition of knowledge, starting from early childhood education. It is a process of active engagement with the world, engaging in critical thinking, problem-solving, and seeking answers to questions or uncertainties.
The goal of inquiry is to increase understanding, challenge assumptions, and generate new knowledge. It involves an open-minded approach, fostering skepticism, curiosity, and a willingness to explore various perspectives and sources of information. Ultimately, inquiry is not only about finding answers but also about asking the right questions and sparking intellectual curiosity that fuels further learning and exploration.
A question; search for truth, information, or knowledge; research; scrutiny.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word inquiry originated from the Latin word inquirere, which is a combination of in- (meaning into or towards) and quaerere (meaning to seek or to ask). Over time, it evolved through Old French and Middle English into the modern English word inquiry.
