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Glite Dictionary
inquisitory

inquisitory

8.9
Asking careful questions to find facts or details
  • adjective
  • /ɪnˈkwɪzɪtɔri/
translation icon : inquisitivo
  • Her inquisitory mind led her to ask many insightful questions during the meeting.

Examples

  • The committee's inquisitory approach uncovered several inconsistencies in the report.

  • The inspector carried out an inquisitory review of the company's safety procedures.

  • The detective had an inquisitory nature that led to many solved cases.

  • Her inquisitory approach to research impressed her professors.

  • The committee's inquisitory approach uncovered several inconsistencies in the report.

  • Her inquisitory mind led her to ask many insightful questions during the meeting.

  • The inspector carried out an inquisitory review of the company's safety procedures.

Synonyms

investigatory
vsinquisitory
  • Formal
5 6.8

Intended to find facts or information

is a general diligent characteristic rather than something planned or set up
probing
vsinquisitory
1 6.5

Asking careful questions to find the truth

is a diligent, thorough search that stresses careful method over deliberate questioning
inquisitorial
vsinquisitory
1 9.1

Asking questions in a sharp, rude way that makes people uncomfortable

is diligent and thorough without the harsh, prying, or accusatory attitude
searching
vsinquisitory
5.5

Very careful and deep, trying to find hidden problems

is a diligent, thorough inquiry focusing on careful process rather than only depth

Antonyms

superficial
94 5.6

Not thorough and only about what is obvious, not deep

cursory
21 7.0

Done quickly without enough attention to detail

How Thorough

searching
5.5
inquisitory
8.9
probing
1 6.5
inquiring
3.9
inquisitive
25 4.4

Surface Forms

inquisitory positive
inquisitorier comparative
inquisitoriest superlative

Morphology

inquisitory = inquire (transparent) = inquire + ory

The adjective is formed with the productive suffix '-ory' from the verb 'inquire', so its meaning 'relating to inquiry or questioning' is directly derivable.

Etymology

The word inquisitory comes from the same root as inquire and question, from the Latin quaerere meaning 'to seek' or 'to ask'. So, something inquisitory is 'searching' or 'probing', which is why it describes a careful investigation that asks many questions.