Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. 'Enquiry' and 'Inquiry'
Understanding the Nuances of Enquiry and Inquiry
The question asks us to differentiate between the words 'Enquiry' and 'Inquiry' and identify the option that correctly describes their meanings. While these words are often used interchangeably, there is a subtle distinction commonly observed in their usage, particularly in formal contexts.
Defining Enquiry
- Enquiry typically refers to a request for information or asking a question about something. It is generally used for more informal or straightforward requests.
- Think of it as simply seeking knowledge or details about a particular subject.
- Example: "I made an enquiry about train times."
Defining Inquiry
- Inquiry (or the British English spelling 'Enquiry', though 'Inquiry' is also common for this meaning) often implies a more formal, systematic, or thorough investigation.
- It suggests a process of asking questions to discover facts or establish the truth, often in a formal setting like a legal or official context.
- Example: "The committee conducted an official inquiry into the accident."
Comparing Enquiry vs. Inquiry
Based on the common distinction:
- Enquiry = Seeking information (often informal).
- Inquiry = Formal investigation or systematic questioning.
Let's examine the options based on this understanding:
- Option 1: 'Enquiry means to seek information and inquiry means to investigate.' - This aligns with the common distinction.
- Option 2: 'Enquiry means to investigate and inquiry means to seek information.' - This reverses the typical meanings.
- Option 3: 'Enquiry means to seek information and inquiry means act of investiture.' - 'Investiture' relates to the formal clothing or ceremony of conferring an office or rank, which is incorrect.
- Option 4: 'Enquiry means act of investiture and inquiry means to investigate.' - This incorrectly assigns both meanings.
Therefore, the option that most appropriately describes the common difference between 'enquiry' and 'inquiry' is the one stating that enquiry is about seeking information, and inquiry is about investigation.
Similar Questions
Directions : In the following questions a pair of similar sounding words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
‘Compliment’ and ‘Complement’
Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
'Compliment' and 'Complement'
Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
'Deify' and 'Defy'
Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
'Stationery' and 'Stationary'
Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
'Complaisant' and 'Complacent'
Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
'Boarder' and 'Border'
Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
'Concurrent' and 'Consecutive'
Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
'Epitaph' and 'Epithet'
Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
'Discomfort' and 'Discomfit'
Directions : In the following questions a pair of similar sounding words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
'Immolate’ and ‘Emulate’
Important Questions from Homophones
Select the correct pair of homophones to fill in the blanks.
The stained glass windows behind the _______ in Glenn Church are in need of repair.
Genetic screening has the potential to _______ the genetic composition of the population
Select the most appropriate homophone to fill in the blank.
The shareholders are planning to ___________ control of the company from the current directors.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate homonym :
He left the meeting in a fit of __________ .
Fill in the blank with the appropriate homonym :
A __________ gives us his words of wisdom.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate homonym :
He favours a ___________ and stick approach to teaching.
