'enquiry' and 'query'?

[Mehrgan]

Hi,
Would anyone please tell me if they're used interchangably?


Thanks a lot.

 

[Rover_KE]

No, they are not.

Enquiry is only a noun; query can be a noun or verb.

Rover

 

[sunsunmoon]

Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary
enquire

Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary
query

 

[Mehrgan]

No, they are not.

Enquiry is only a noun; query can be a noun or verb.

Rover

Thanks. So is that just the 'part of speech' that makes them different?

 

[Rover_KE]

No.

A query is just a question.

An enquiry can be a thorough investigation.

Rover

 

[riquecohen]

While not frequently heard, query also functions as a verb in AmE.
Inquire is seen more frequently than enquire in AmE.

On second thought, we do have an exceptionally benighted tabloid called The National Enquirer.

 

[Raymott]

Thanks. So is that just the 'part of speech' that makes them different?

If you walk into a building, you might see a desk with a sign, "Enquiries".
You won't see one with a sign saying "Queries".
So, although they mean a similar thing, they are different in many areas of usage.