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Glite Dictionary
inquiry agent

inquiry agent

6.5
A private detective hired to find information for people or businesses
  • noun
  • /ɪnˈkwaɪəri ˈeɪdʒənt/
translation icon : agente de investigación
  • As an inquiry agent, she specialized in tracking down missing persons.

Examples

  • The family hired an inquiry agent to look into the mysterious disappearance.

  • The inquiry agent found the missing person quickly.

  • The police suggested contacting an inquiry agent for further investigation.

  • Can you recommend a reliable inquiry agent?

  • The private detective worked as an inquiry agent to uncover the truth behind the mysterious theft.

  • After years of experience, she became a skilled inquiry agent, helping clients with various cases.

  • The company hired an inquiry agent to investigate the fraudulent activities reported by its employees.

Synonyms

detective
vsinquiry agent
∞ 2.7

A police officer who investigates crimes and finds out what happened

is a hired investigator serving private clients rather than a police role
private investigator
vsinquiry agent
64 3.7

A person hired to find facts about crimes or private matters who is not a police officer

performs the same investigative work for individuals or organizations
private detective
vsinquiry agent
30 3.4

A person who is not a police officer and is paid to investigate crimes

is the same role but named differently or more formally
private eye
vsinquiry agent
  • Informal
24 4.2

A person hired to find out information for someone, often about crimes

uses the same investigative role but with an informal name
gumshoe
vsinquiry agent
  • Archaic
5 8.4

A detective who works quietly and follows people to find facts

is the standard term for hired investigators rather than the informal label
house detective
vsinquiry agent
  • Archaic
1 6.5

A person hired by a hotel or store to watch for theft

has broader employment, serving various clients rather than a single business
sleuthhound
vsinquiry agent
  • Archaic
9.9

A person who carefully follows clues to solve mysteries

focuses on general hired investigation rather than persistent clue chasing
hotel detective
vsinquiry agent
  • Archaic
5.7

A person who works at a hotel to find thieves and keep guests safe

works across private clients and organisations, not limited to one venue

How Investigative

inquiry agent
6.5
detective
∞ 2.7
inquirer
20 3.2
seeker
98 4.0

Surface Forms

inquiry agent singular
inquiry agents plural

Morphology

inquiry + agent

The meaning 'a person who conducts inquiries' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'inquiry' (investigation/asking questions) with 'agent' (a person who acts on behalf of others). This simple noun+noun composition is predictable and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words would reasonably infer the intended sense.

Etymology

Inquiry agent comes from the idea of a person who makes an inquiry, meaning they ask questions to find out facts, and an agent who works for someone else. People hired these agents to go out, talk to others and follow clues, so today inquiry agent means 'a private detective' who 'investigates' for clients.