Definition of enquire after

The phrase "enquire after" is a combination of two Old French words, "en" and "quire." "En" is a preposition that translates to "in" or "on," while "quire" originally meant "bookkeeper" or "clerk." The phrase "enquire after" emerged in Middle English in the 1300s as "enquere after." It evolved from the Old French phrase "enquerir de" meaning "to investigate or learn about." Over time, the phrase became "enquire after" in English, and today it is often shortened to "inquire about" in modern English. In its original form, "enquire after" was commonly used by merchants or businessmen to inquire about the health or welfare of another person, especially regarding a potential client or customer. It involved asking questions about the person's well-being, interests, and needs as a way of building a relationship and potentially doing business together. Over time, the phrase came to be used more generally, and today it is used to show genuine interest and concern for someone's welfare, including inquiries about personal or professional matters. In summary, the phrase "enquire after" originated from the Old French word "enquerir de," which meant "to investigate or learn about." It evolved into Middle English as "enquere after" and eventually became "enquire after" in English, with meanings that continue to evolve today.