As a Noun: 1. The process of informally asking a number of people questions in order to find out information about something. English = enquiry, inquiry. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To say something to a number of people in the form of a question because you want to know something, or because you want them to do something. English = ask around, enquire, inquire. Augmented Meaning: 1. This is actually a modified form of the sign ASK. The movement in an arc or spiral strongly suggests asking many people over a period of time in a deliberate way.