inquiry
An act of asking for information. / An official investigation to find out the facts about a situation.
[C/U] Both
pl: inquiries
This word carries a sense of formal seeking. It is not a casual question asked between friends, but rather a structured request for data or a systematic search for truth. It suggests a process of gathering evidence or clarification, often within a professional or legal framework.
Countable when referring to a specific request for information or a single official investigation. Uncountable when referring to the general process of questioning or searching for truth.