Inquiry Vs Research, The Main Differences And When To Use Them

Inquiry and research are words that are not alike in the way you spell or pronounce them. In this article, we will discuss the major differences and when to employ each one. Additionally, we have prepared examples based on sentences to have a clear idea about each one of their uses.

Inquiry and research are both terms for gathering information. Inquiry is the act of seeking information. On the other hand, research is a method of obtaining information and analyzing materials and sources to establish facts and draw new findings. Inquiry is used more in everyday conversation. Meanwhile, research is used in a more professional or scientific field.

Main Differences

“Inquiry” and “research” most significant distinction is that inquiry aims to increase knowledge by clarifying doubts or addressing a problem by looking for answers. On the other hand, we have research that is a formal effort done in an organized manner to enhance the stock of information to find evidence, or facts, or deeper information to set the base for a statement or resolution.

Inquiry Definition

The phrase Inquiry refers to a systematic research of a specific subject of public concern. This word can also mean a deep search to discover something or a moment of questioning. Depending on the case and tools used, it can be something else: a question, a query, or an interrogation.

Etymology

The word “Inquiry” comes from the Old French inquirĕre, quærĕre, quæsitum, and from Latin inquīrō. and it means “to seek.” According to historical records, the phrase inquiry dates back to the 1400s–50s. Eventually, the word’s spelling was replaced in late Middle English by the phrase “enquery” (which is not commonly used).

How Do People Use The Phrase?

How people use the word inquiry may vary depending on the context, and I will give you some examples so you have the idea.

• Kids are very enthusiastic about a subject they inquire about.
• The supervisor is in an inquiry session as we speak.
• Kids inquiry even when they know the answer
• No inquiry is required after her confession.
• To the inquiry, you need a motive. What is yours?
• The patient has an inquiry.
• The people of the village have demanded a full inquiry into the government’s handling of the pandemic.
• In the end, you realize that your inquiry was enough.

Synonyms

Query, interrogation.

Examples of usage.

• Teachers are always there for their student’s queries.
• The FBI came down to the office to finish the interrogation of the suspect.

Antonyms

Answer.

Research Etymology

The word “research” comes from the Middle French “recherche,” which means “to go about seeking,” and is derived from the Old French phrase “researcher,” which is a composite word made up of the words “re-” and “cerchier,” or “sercher,” which means “search.” In the year 1577, the term was first used. From that moment until now, it has been part of our vocabulary.

Definitions

The word research has more than one definition, according to many sources. For this article and for your interest, we will mention some of the more relevant definitions: An effort to systematically and scientifically search or examine with continued care and seek diligently and to examine anew.

Noun

As a noun, we can find some words that match the meaning. Here are a few examples: Scrutiny, to search again, a search for knowledge, diligent examination or investigation, systematic investigation to establish facts, a laborious or continued search for truth, and also we can consider this as a meticulous inquiry or examination in seeking facts or principles.

Examples of the phrase in a sentence

• Scientists are exploring the nature of consciousness.
• The results of antiquarian inquiries have frequently been gambled on the dearest interests of parties.
• All those who were present were questioned.
• After doing some research, the police discover that all the money they recovered was fake.
• If able men inquire into it, all that is lacking in the perfection of this craft will be discovered.
• He could not describe a trail or a foot trail, nor could he learn by inquiry, nor could he guess my aim.
• The Cornelius’ men had inquired about Simon’s residence and were standing at the gate.
• I knew from the start that this research would pay off after all, didn’t I?
• The winner of the Nobel Prize of Chemistry was Theodore Gray from Wolfram Research.
• His research proves he was right.

Synonyms

After going through some digging about other words that mean the same or with close similarity, I found the next: Investigation, exploration, look into, dig deeper, analyze, and examine.

Example:

1. The investigation will determine the next step for the procedure.

The research will determine the next step for the procedure.

1. One huge development is this exploration trip. I think they are going in the right way.

One huge development in this research trip. I think they are going in the right way.

1. I am going to look into that to make sure we have the right number.

I am going to do research about that to make sure we have the right number.

1. You need to dig deeper in regards to that until the truth is found.

You need to research in regards to that until the truth is found.

1. I must thoroughly analyze all these statistical probabilities.

I must thoroughly research all these statistical probabilities.

1. The new accountant has been hired to examine the company’s books to identify the error.

The new accountant has been hired to research the company’s books to identify the error.

How do people use the phrase?

• Here are a few example sentences of the usage of research. These examples will help us understand the phrase better, so you can use it regularly.
• The student researched the history of the term.
• Their pottery merits more attention than it has got.
• Researchers are exploring the origins of consciousness.
• He searched for information on his family on the internet.
• For their history assignment, the students had to research the history of World War II.
• The detective research department was at the crime scene looking to collect information about the case.
• The Analyst department hired research specialists to assist with the case due the case is too complex, and they need her assistance.
• After the first call for an epidemic in Wuhan, the most important labs and scientists started the research to find the cure for Covid-19.
• Despite all the effort and research to find a cure against AIDS, there is none yet.
• It is not bad to do your research before you buy your first car.

Synonyms

Explore, search.

Conclusion

This article aims to define each of the two words, inquiry and research, to compare the differences between them. When or How to use each one. According to the definition of inquiry, it is a process that involves specific meaning and is based on asking questions and piling the answer; it can be at a basic level of critical thinking skills. The inquiry process demands an individual to examine material for validity, point of view and generate meaning from all of these endeavors. While research is described as a serious evaluation of the study of a particular topic or subject using scientific techniques and the implementation of an inquiry model.