inquisition
Inquisition (noun) means a thorough, often aggressive investigation or interrogation. Example: “The meeting felt less like a review and more like an inquisition.”
How to use inquisition
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA harsh, searching investigation — or, capitalized, the historical Church tribunal.
Word forms
inquisitioned past tense, inquisitions plural, inquisitions singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The meeting felt less like a review and more like an _____.
Etymology
From Latin inquisitio, from inquirere, "to inquire into"; its harsh connotation comes from the historical Spanish Inquisition.
Rhymes for inquisition
Frequently asked questions
What does “inquisition” mean?
The word “inquisition” means a thorough, often aggressive investigation or interrogation. In plain terms, a harsh, searching investigation — or, capitalized, the historical Church tribunal.
How do you pronounce “inquisition”?
“Inquisition” is pronounced ihngk-wih-ZIH-shuhn (/ˌɪŋkwɪˈzɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “inquisition” in a sentence?
Here is “inquisition” used in a sentence: “The meeting felt less like a review and more like an inquisition.”
What part of speech is “inquisition”?
Depending on how it is used, “inquisition” can be a noun and a name.
Where does the word “inquisition” come from?
The word “inquisition” comes from Latin. From Latin inquisitio, from inquirere, "to inquire into"; its harsh connotation comes from the historical Spanish Inquisition.
Is “inquisition” a common word?
“Inquisition” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “inquisition” have?
“Inquisition” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a thorough, often aggressive investigation or interrogation.