Proper Pronunciation Guide

inquiry

[ɪn kwɑ͜iə  ri]

[ɪn kwɪ͜ɚ i]

Tips:

  • The first pronunciation has four syllables and stresses the second one.
  • The second pronunciation has three syllables and stresses the first one.

Practice Sentences:

 The transportation board held an inquiry into the interruption in train service.
He made an inquiry about the availability of flu vaccine.

Definition:

  • (noun) A request for information; an investigation seeking the truth about an incident.

Notes:

Although the word “inquiry” is related to “inquire” and stress on the second syllable is the preferred pronunciation, the second pronunciation with stress on the first syllable is gaining ground. The stress on the first syllable strengthens the word and also resonates with the word “query.”

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