Literary notes about Inquire (AI summary)
In literature, "inquire" functions as a versatile term that can signal a courteous quest for further information or a deliberate investigation into circumstances. In dramatic dialogue, such as in Shakespeare’s work [1] and Dickens’ narratives [2], it is often used as a polite prompt to elicit additional details about personal matters or to express concern for someone’s welfare. In other contexts, like in legal proceedings or scientific discourse [3][4], the word conveys a more formal probe into underlying truths or causes. Religious texts and canonical writings also employ "inquire" to invoke a search for divine guidance or scriptural clarification [5][6]. Overall, its usage weaves an atmosphere of purposeful inquiry that enriches both character interaction and narrative depth [7][8].
- Sirrah, inquire further after me; I had talk of you last night.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - ‘I came out to inquire whether Annie would like to go to the opera tonight,’ said Mr. Maldon, turning to her.
— from David Copperfield by Charles Dickens - The naturalist must be dull who is not led to inquire what this bond is.
— from The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin - It remains to inquire how far so odious an engine of government, in its application to us, would even be capable of answering its end.
— from The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton and John Jay and James Madison - And Josaphat said to the king of Israel: Inquire, I beseech thee, at present the word of the Lord.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - And Josaphat said: Is there not here a prophet of the Lord, that we may inquire also of him? 18:7.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - The Senate heard, therefore, the two sides from Diaeus and Menalchidas, and answered that they would send commissioners to inquire into the case.
— from The Histories of Polybius, Vol. 1 (of 2) by Polybius - That he should even speak to her was amazing!—but to speak with such civility, to inquire after her family!
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen