Inquiry vs. Question: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
An inquiry is a formal investigation or comprehensive exploration, while a question is a sentence designed to elicit information.
Difference Between Inquiry and Question
Inquiry and question are significant aspects of information-seeking behavior but differ in scope and intent. An inquiry refers to an extensive investigation or detailed exploration to gain deeper insight or understanding, usually implying a systematic or formal approach. In contrast, a question is a sentence, word, or phrase posed to obtain information, answer, or clarification, often being more specific and direct.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
When dissecting the term inquiry, it's perceived as a broader, more comprehensive pursuit of knowledge, encompassing multiple questions, research, and sometimes formal investigation. It is a process of exploration and discovery, used to uncover facts, truths, or information in a detailed manner. On the other hand, a question serves as a tool within the inquiry process, a catalyst to gather, clarify, and understand pieces of information or specific details.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
In the realm of formal processes and procedures, an inquiry can signify a structured investigation or examination, conducted to draw conclusions or ascertain facts, often associated with legal or official investigations. Meanwhile, a question can be informal, spontaneous, and versatile, utilized in everyday conversations, academic discussions, or professional settings to seek answers or provoke thought.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
In the educational context, inquiry-based learning emphasizes exploration, critical thinking, and questioning to foster learning and understanding. It is a pedagogical approach that encourages learners to ask questions, seek answers, and explore concepts in depth. Conversely, a question in education is a fundamental unit of learning and assessment, used to test knowledge, stimulate thinking, and promote learning.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
In casual discourse, an inquiry may refer to a polite or formal request for information, typically more generalized, while a question is a straightforward way to acquire specific information or clarification. Both serve to satisfy curiosity, gain understanding, and communicate, but they differ in depth, formality, and comprehensiveness.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Inquiry vs. Question Comparison Chart
Scope
Broad, comprehensive exploration or investigation
Specific, direct request for information or clarification
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Usage
In-depth exploration, formal investigations, extensive research
Everyday conversations, information elicitation, discussions
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Sep 22, 2023
Intent
To gain deeper insight, uncover facts, or draw conclusions
To obtain a specific piece of information or an answer
Kaitlyn
Sep 22, 2023
Contextual Association
Legal proceedings, academic research, official investigations
Casual discourse, academic testing, interviews
Olivia
Sep 22, 2023
Inquiry vs. Question Definitions
◉Inquiry
A systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the observation and experimentation.
The inquiry into the properties of the material led to groundbreaking discoveries.
Levi
Sep 22, 2023
◉Question
A sentence or phrase used to elicit information or a response.
She asked a thoughtful question during the discussion.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
◉Inquiry
An act of asking for information, usually in a formal or polite manner.
He made an inquiry about the availability of the hotel rooms.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
◉Question
A topic or subject under consideration or examination.
The research focused on the question of sustainability.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
◉Inquiry
A method of teaching that encourages learners to ask questions and explore ideas to gain deeper understanding.
Inquiry-based learning fosters curiosity and critical thinking among students.
Jonathan
Sep 22, 2023
◉Question
An instance of testing knowledge or ability.
The final question on the exam was challenging.
Lucas
Sep 22, 2023
◉Inquiry
A process of seeking truth, information, or knowledge through investigation.
The scientific inquiry revealed new facts about the natural world.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
◉Question
A sentence, phrase, or gesture that seeks information through a reply.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Inquiry
A formal investigation conducted to discover or examine facts.
The police launched an inquiry into the mysterious disappearance.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
◉Inquiry
A question; a query
There were many inquiries about the new tax rates.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
To pose a question or questions regarding (something); analyze or examine
researchers questioning which of the methods will work.
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May 03, 2023
◉Inquiry
A close examination of a matter
a Congressional inquiry into the scandal.
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
To express doubt about; dispute
questioned his sincerity.
questioned the expense report.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Inquiry
The act of inquiring; a seeking of information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Inquiry
Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination of facts or principles; research; investigation
Scientific inquiry
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
A sentence, phrase or word which asks for information, reply or response; an interrogative.
What is your question?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Inquiry
The act of inquiring; a seeking for information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.
He could no path nor track of foot descry,Nor by inquiry learn, nor guess by aim.
The men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
A subject or topic for consideration or investigation.
The question of seniority will be discussed at the meeting.
There was a question of which material to use.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Inquiry
Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination into facts or principles; research; investigation; as, physical inquiries.
All that is wanting to the perfection of this art will undoubtedly be found, if able men . . . will make inquiry into it.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
A doubt or challenge about the truth, accuracy, or validity of a matter.
His claim to the property has come under question.
The story is true beyond question.
He obeyed without question.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Inquiry
a search for knowledge;
their pottery deserves more research than it has received
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
A proposal to a meeting as a topic for deliberation.
I move that the question be put to a vote.
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May 03, 2023
◉Inquiry
an instance of questioning;
there was a question about my training
we made inquiries of all those who were present
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
(transitive) To ask questions of; to interrogate; to ask for information.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
(intransitive) To ask a question or questions; inquire or seek to know; examine.
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
The act of asking; interrogation; inquiry; as, to examine by question and answer.
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
Discussion; debate; hence, objection; dispute; doubt; as, the story is true beyond question; he obeyed without question.
There arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
It is to be to question, whether it be lawful for Christian princes to make an invasive war simply for the propagation of the faith.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
Examination with reference to a decisive result; investigation; specifically, a judicial or official investigation; also, examination under torture.
He that was in question for the robbery. Shak.The Scottish privy council had power to put state prisoners to the question.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
That which is asked; inquiry; interrogatory; query.
But this question askedPuts me in doubt. Lives there who loves his pain ?
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
Hence, a subject of investigation, examination, or debate; theme of inquiry; matter to be inquired into; as, a delicate or doubtful question.
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
To ask questions; to inquire.
He that questioneth much shall learn much.
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
To argue; to converse; to dispute.
I pray you, think you question with the Jew.
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
To inquire of by asking questions; to examine by interrogatories; as, to question a witness.
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
To doubt of; to be uncertain of; to query.
And most we question what we most desire.
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
To raise a question about; to call in question; to make objection to.
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
To talk to; to converse with.
With many holiday and lady terms he questioned me.
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
an instance of questioning;
there was a question about my training
we made inquiries of all those who were present
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
the subject matter at issue;
the question of disease merits serious discussion
under the head of minor Roman poets
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
a sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply;
he asked a direct question
he had trouble phrasing his interrogations
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
uncertainty about the truth or factuality of existence of something;
the dubiousness of his claim
there is no question about the validity of the enterprise
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
a formal proposal for action made to a deliberative assembly for discussion and vote;
he made a motion to adjourn
she called for the question
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
an informal reference to a marriage proposal;
he was ready to pop the question
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of;
We must question your judgment in this matter
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
pose a series of questions to;
The suspect was questioned by the police
We questioned the survivor about the details of the explosion
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May 03, 2023
◉Question
conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
place in doubt or express doubtful speculation;
I wonder whether this was the right thing to do
she wondered whether it would snow tonight
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
An expression of doubt or uncertainty about something.
His decision raised a question about his motives.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
◉Question
A matter requiring resolution or discussion.
The question of security was addressed at the meeting.
Leo
Sep 22, 2023
Inquiry vs. Question Frequently Asked Questions
What does an inquiry typically involve?
An inquiry typically involves a formal and systematic process of investigation or exploration to gain deeper insight, uncover facts, or draw conclusions.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Is an inquiry broader than a question?
Yes, an inquiry is broader and more comprehensive, encompassing exploration, investigation, and multiple questions to understand a subject in depth.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Is inquiry associated with formal investigations?
Yes, inquiry is often associated with formal, structured investigations or examinations, especially in legal or academic contexts.
Levi
Sep 22, 2023
What is the main purpose of a question?
The main purpose of a question is to elicit specific information, answer, or clarification from another individual or source.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
Does inquiry emphasize critical thinking and exploration in education?
Yes, inquiry in education emphasizes critical thinking, exploration, and questioning to foster learning and understanding.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Can a question be informal and spontaneous?
Yes, a question can be informal, spontaneous, and versatile, used in everyday conversations, academic discussions, or professional settings.
Olivia
Sep 22, 2023
Can a question serve as a tool within the inquiry process?
Yes, a question serves as a fundamental tool within the inquiry process, helping to gather, clarify, and understand information.
Leo
Sep 22, 2023
In casual discourse, is an inquiry typically more formal than a question?
Yes, in casual discourse, an inquiry is typically perceived as more formal and polite, often seeking generalized information.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Is a question more specific and direct than an inquiry?
Yes, a question is more specific and direct, aimed at obtaining a particular piece of information or an answer.
Levi
Sep 22, 2023
Does a question in education test knowledge and stimulate thinking?
Yes, a question in education is a basic unit used to test knowledge, stimulate thinking, and promote learning.
Olivia
Sep 22, 2023
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