quir-, quisit-, quis-, que-, quer-, quest-, -quirement, -quirable, -quisition, -quisitive

An elaborate or a long written and detailed essay or a long discussion about a special topic: A disquisition is not a very successful presentation for a TV or a radio show because it is simply too complicated or takes up too much time.

Relating to a fondness for examinations, discussions, or investigations of conditions or situations: As a student, Paul had a very disquisitive mind and enjoyed being with groups to learn more about how the city was being governed.

Descriptive of something that is completed in a manner that is based on discussions or analyses; often in a friendly manner: Celia, Harriet, and the study group at the university had disquisitively lively talks about the history lectures.

1. Descriptive of being very beautiful and delicate or intricate: Mary saw a piece of exquisite lace at the Textile Museum last Saturday.
2. A reference to a perfect and delightful person or thing: In addition to being beautiful, Sally Jean had an exquisite personality that enchanted all of her friends.
3. Relating to someone or something that is sensitive and capable of detecting subtle differences: Karen's cat has an exquisite sense of smell and always knows when there is some new food in her bowl.
4. Etymology: from Late Middle English, "carefully ascertained, precise"; from Latin exquisit, "sought out"; from the verb exquirere; from ex-, "out" + quaerere, "to seek". © ALL rights are reserved.

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In a way that is beautiful, delicate, and delightful: The Homecoming Queen was exquisitely dressed and she displayed her exquisitely charming manners when sitting in the back of the car and waving to the crowds on the street.

Great beauty, delicateness, charm, and refinement: When Irene visited the ceramics museum, she was impressed with the exquisiteness of the beautiful old china and porcelain dishes.

1. An official presentation to a jury about specific facts regarding a criminal investigation: Inquests are required for all cases of murder.
2. An investigation of the facts of a situation, particularly one that has had an undesired outcome: After a series of unexplained deaths in the hospital, there was an inquest into the matter to determine why there were so many patients who lost their lives in such a short time.

Relating to something that is researched, such as the data and information of a judicial case: Jeff, the legal assistant, studied all of the inquirable facts of the fraud investigation while preparing briefs and documents for the court.

1. To ask questions about something: When Karl and Jason met each other after several years, the first thing they inquired about was how things were going with their families.

The two different spellings are both correct; however, normally the British prefer enquire; so, a person can be inquiring, or enquiring, about what time it is.

2. To try to discover the facts of a case: The police were inquiring the neighbors asking if they had heard or seen anything unusual on the streets last night when a burglary took place of a family's house while they were away on vacation.

Someone who asks questions to receive information: The inquirer of the most pointed questions at the political gathering was Doug, the editor of the local newspaper.

Done or completed in a manner that asks for details about information: Mildred's inquiringly subtle mind was suited for her profession as a lawyer because she was always probing for more detailed information.

1. A formal investigation to determine the facts of a legal case: The police are conducting an official inquiry into what caused the construction crane to fall and crash through the roof of a grocery store killing a woman and injuring several other customers and workers.
2. An effort to obtain information: Alfred was told that he was not allowed to make inquiries about the salaries of his fellow workers.

Sam's Aunt Susan made an inquiry about whether there would be any available tickets for the symphony the next night.

3. A close examination of something because of a search for information or truth: Dr. Celia Smith held an inquiry with her interns about the procedure that should be followed for Gwen who had been admitted to the hospital for an emergency operation.

1. A succession of detailed and relentless questions: Louis, the ring leader of the playground gang, said he felt like he had been through an inquisition after he had been to the principal's office.
2. An investigation that is harsh or even unfair: When capitalized, "The Inquisition" was an organization in the Roman Catholic Church founded in the 13th century to find, question, and sentence those who did not hold orthodox religious beliefs.

The Spanish Inquisition lasted until the 19th century and was known for its harsh punishments and use of torture.

Pertaining to interrogating asking for information, often in a formal and harsh manner: During the cross examination of the accused, the prosecutor's inquisitional manner was one of relentlessly demanding the truth about what happened after Irving was fired from his job and what he did to his supervisor.

1. A reference to eagerly seeking knowledge; intellectually curious: James had an inquisitive mind which is why one of his favorite places to visit was the local library and, especially the many resources on the internet.
2. Curious and so posing many questions: Dwight, Marion and the other inquisitive students in the history class of the high school asked the visiting speaker what her life was like when she was living in the jungle.
3. Unduly or inappropriately curious; prying into other people's personal lives: While working out at the fitness studio, Mark was asked by an inquisitive stranger how he was able to spend so much time each working day exercising and still make so much money. © ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
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