Query vs. Enquiry: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on December 25, 2023
"Query" is a question or doubt, often used in computing contexts. "Enquiry" is a British spelling for an investigation or question, synonymous with the American "inquiry."
Difference Between Query and Enquiry
"Query" and "enquiry" are both terms related to asking questions or seeking answers. "Query," in particular, holds a strong association with computing. In database contexts, a query refers to a request for data. "Enquiry," on the other hand, is a broader term that may simply mean seeking information or investigating a matter.
Muazma Batool
Dec 25, 2023
While "query" has a more specific technical connotation, especially in the realm of databases and search engines, "enquiry" is often used in everyday language. When someone makes an enquiry, they might be asking about the details of a product, service, or any general information. The term aligns more with an act of asking or a formal investigation.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 25, 2023
Interestingly, "enquiry" is more common in British English, whereas its counterpart, "inquiry," is used in American English. Both "enquiry" and "inquiry" mean the act of asking a question or conducting an investigation. Conversely, "query" remains consistent in its spelling and usage across both American and British English.
Muazma Batool
Dec 25, 2023
While both "query" and "enquiry" revolve around the act of questioning, their usage contexts diverge. If one is referring to a technical, especially computing-related request, "query" is the apt term. On the other hand, for a more general or formal request for information, "enquiry" (or "inquiry" in American English) is the suitable word.
Olivia
Dec 25, 2023
Query vs. Enquiry Comparison Chart
Spelling
Consistent in both British and American English
Preferred in British English
Muazma Batool
Dec 25, 2023
Query vs. Enquiry Definitions
◉Enquiry
An act of asking for information.
He made an enquiry about train timings.
Muazma Batool
Sep 12, 2023
◉Query
A question or request for information.
Can I submit a query about my application status?
Muazma Batool
Sep 12, 2023
◉Enquiry
A formal investigation.
The committee will conduct an enquiry into the matter.
Olivia
Sep 12, 2023
◉Query
A search string input into a database.
The database returned no results for that query.
Nolan
Sep 12, 2023
◉Enquiry
A request for facts or details.
She sent an enquiry to the university's admissions department.
Henry
Sep 12, 2023
◉Query
A technical term used in computing to request data.
She wrote a complex SQL query to filter the results.
Kaitlyn
Sep 12, 2023
◉Enquiry
An act of questioning or expressing doubt.
There was an enquiry regarding the accuracy of the report.
Leo
Sep 12, 2023
◉Query
A notation, usually a question mark, calling attention to an item in order to question its validity or accuracy.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
To express doubt or uncertainty about; question
query someone's motives.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Enquiry
an instance of questioning;
there was a question about my training
we made inquiries of all those who were present
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
To mark (an item) with a notation in order to question its validity or accuracy.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Enquiry
a search for knowledge;
their pottery deserves more research than it has received
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
A question, an inquiry US, an enquiry UK.
The teacher answered the student’s query concerning biosynthesis.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Enquiry
A British term for asking or investigating.
The customer's enquiry was resolved promptly.
Leo
Sep 12, 2023
◉Query
A set of instructions passed to a database.
The database admin switched on query logging for debugging purposes.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
To pass a set of instructions to a database to retrieve information from it.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
A question; an inquiry to be answered or solved.
I shall conclude with proposing only some queries, in order to a . . . search to be made by others.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
A question in the mind; a doubt; as, I have a query about his sincerity.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
To ask questions; to make inquiry.
Each prompt to query, answer, and debate.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
To put questions about; to elicit by questioning; to inquire into; as, to query the items or the amount; to query the motive or the fact.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
To write " query" (qu., qy., or ?) against, as a doubtful spelling, or sense, in a proof. See Quære.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
an instance of questioning;
there was a question about my training
we made inquiries of all those who were present
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
A challenge or objection.
He raised a query about the team's decision.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 12, 2023
Query vs. Enquiry Frequently Asked Questions
Is query a technical term?
Yes, "query" is often used in technical contexts, especially in computing.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 25, 2023
Can query mean a doubt?
Yes, "query" can refer to a doubt or uncertainty about something.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 25, 2023
Is enquiry used in American English?
In American English, "inquiry" is the preferred spelling over "enquiry."
Muazma Batool
Dec 25, 2023
What does query mean in a database context?
In databases, a "query" refers to a request for data or information.
Levi
Dec 25, 2023
Is enquiry synonymous with inquiry?
Yes, "enquiry" is synonymous with "inquiry," with "enquiry" being more common in British English.
Muazma Batool
Dec 25, 2023
In what context is query most commonly found?
"Query" is most commonly found in computing, especially when referring to databases.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 25, 2023
How is enquiry commonly used?
"Enquiry" is commonly used to denote a formal request for information or an investigation.
Olivia
Dec 25, 2023
Does query have a consistent spelling across English varieties?
Yes, "query" remains consistent in its spelling and usage in both American and British English.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 25, 2023
Is enquiry related to seeking information?
Yes, an "enquiry" often involves seeking information or conducting a formal investigation.
William
Dec 25, 2023
Can both query and enquiry refer to questions?
Yes, both "query" and "enquiry" can refer to the act of questioning or seeking answers.
Muazma Batool
Dec 25, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
