Inquiry vs. Query — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 18, 2023
"Inquiry" often denotes a formal investigation or comprehensive question, while "Query" typically means a simple question, especially in computing.
Difference Between Inquiry and Query
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Inquiry" and "Query" both relate to seeking information, but their applications and nuances differ. "Inquiry" often pertains to a detailed investigation or a thorough request for information. In contrast, "Query" generally points towards a more direct, specific question.
In many professional settings, an "Inquiry" might be a formal process. For instance, in law or science, an inquiry might span months or even years. A "Query", on the other hand, might be something a programmer writes to retrieve specific data from a database.
If someone makes an "Inquiry" about a business's services, they are often looking for comprehensive details. When someone poses a "Query", it can imply a need for a quick answer to a specific point.
Consider the setting of a newsroom. An "Inquiry" might be a journalist's extensive research into a story. At the same time, a "Query" might be a quick question they ask a colleague about a particular fact or detail.
"Inquiry" implies depth, thoroughness, and sometimes formality. "Query", while not necessarily informal, often seeks a straightforward answer without the need for extensive detail or examination.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A formal investigation or thorough question.
A specific question, often used in computing.
Depth
Usually deep and comprehensive.
Typically direct and specific.
Formality
Can be formal, especially in professional settings.
Not necessarily formal.
Duration
Can be lengthy, spanning a long period.
Often expects a quick answer.
Usage in Computing
Not commonly used in computing.
Common term for requesting data from a database.
Compare with Definitions
Inquiry
A formal investigation, especially in a professional or academic context.
The inquiry into the accident revealed safety violations.
Query
A computing term for a request for data from a database.
The database responded quickly to the query.
Inquiry
An act of asking for information.
The office received several inquiries about the new regulations.
Query
A question or request for information.
She sent a query to the author about the book's ending.
Inquiry
A process of seeking truth, information, or knowledge.
The senator called for an inquiry into the misuse of funds.
Query
An expression of doubt or question about the truth of something.
There were several queries about the accuracy of the statement.
Inquiry
A formal written request for specific information.
We sent an inquiry to the manufacturer about the product's specifications.
Query
An inquiry in professional or academic research.
The scientist made several queries to confirm the findings.
Inquiry
An inquiry (also spelled as enquiry in British English) is any process that has the aim of augmenting knowledge, resolving doubt, or solving a problem. A theory of inquiry is an account of the various types of inquiry and a treatment of the ways that each type of inquiry achieves its aim.
Query
A question; an inquiry.
Inquiry
The act of inquiring
Engaged in scientific inquiry.
Query
A doubt in the mind; a mental reservation.
Inquiry
A question; a query
There were many inquiries about the new tax rates.
Query
A notation, usually a question mark, calling attention to an item in order to question its validity or accuracy.
Inquiry
A close examination of a matter
A Congressional inquiry into the scandal.
Query
To express doubt or uncertainty about; question
Query someone's motives.
Inquiry
The act of inquiring; a seeking of information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.
Query
To put a question to (a person).
Inquiry
Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination of facts or principles; research; investigation
Scientific inquiry
Query
To mark (an item) with a notation in order to question its validity or accuracy.
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.
Query
A question, an inquiry US, an enquiry UK.
The teacher answered the student’s query concerning biosynthesis.
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.
Query
A question mark.
Inquiry
A search for knowledge;
Their pottery deserves more research than it has received
Query
A set of instructions passed to a database.
The database admin switched on query logging for debugging purposes.
Inquiry
An instance of questioning;
There was a question about my training
We made inquiries of all those who were present
Query
(intransitive) To ask a question.
Inquiry
A systematic investigation of a matter of public interest
Query
(transitive) To ask, inquire.
Inquiry
A systematic examination or research.
Her inquiry into ancient cultures led to groundbreaking discoveries.
Query
(transitive) To question or call into doubt.
Query
To pass a set of instructions to a database to retrieve information from it.
Query
To send a private message to (a user on IRC).
Query
To send out a query letter.
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.
Query
A question in the mind; a doubt; as, I have a query about his sincerity.
Query
An interrogation point [?] as the sign of a question or a doubt.
Query
To ask questions; to make inquiry.
Each prompt to query, answer, and debate.
Query
To have a doubt; as, I query if he is right.
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.
Query
To address questions to; to examine by questions.
Query
To doubt of; to regard with incredulity.
Query
To write " query" (qu., qy., or ?) against, as a doubtful spelling, or sense, in a proof. See Quære.
Query
An instance of questioning;
There was a question about my training
We made inquiries of all those who were present
Query
Pose a question
Query
A short and direct question.
He had a quick query about the meeting time.
Common Curiosities
Can "Inquiry" be used in a casual setting?
Yes, it can simply mean a question or request for information.
Are "Inquiry" and "Query" interchangeable?
While both relate to questions, "Inquiry" often implies a deeper, more formal investigation, whereas "Query" is usually more specific.
Is a "Query" always quick?
Not always, but it generally implies a more direct, specific question.
Is "Inquiry" a lengthy process?
It can be, especially when referring to formal investigations.
Can "Inquiry" be a formal process?
Yes, "Inquiry" can denote a formal investigation, especially in professional settings.
Is "Query" specific to computing?
Though commonly used in computing, "Query" can mean any question or doubt outside of that context.
Can a journalist make a "Query"?
Yes, a journalist can pose a "Query" for specific information.
Which is more in-depth, an "Inquiry" or a "Query"?
Typically, an "Inquiry" suggests a more in-depth or comprehensive question.
Can a "Query" express doubt?
Yes, it can express a question about the truth or accuracy of something.
Is an "Inquiry" always written?
No, it can be spoken or written.
Can a business receive both "Inquiries" and "Queries"?
Absolutely, they might get "Inquiries" for detailed information and "Queries" for specific, direct questions.
Can I make a "Query" about a database?
Yes, in computing, a "Query" is a common term for requesting specific data.
If I'm questioning a statement's accuracy, am I making an "Inquiry"?
It could be either an "Inquiry" or a "Query", depending on the depth and formality of your question.
In what context might I encounter "Query" outside of computing?
You might encounter it in research, journalism, or any context where specific questions are posed.
If I'm seeking detailed information, am I making an "Inquiry"?
Likely yes, especially if the question is thorough or requires comprehensive details.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
