Inquest
Noun
Definition: A legal or judicial inquiry, especially before a jury and especially made by a coroner into the cause of someone's death.
Definition: A detailed investigation or inquiry into an event, situation, or matter.
Synonyms: Investigation, Inquiry, Examination, Inquisition
Antonyms: Closure, Conclusion, Resolution
- The coroner conducted an inquest into the suspicious death.
- The committee held an inquest to determine the cause of the project's failure.
- Think of "inquest" as a nod to "inquire" or "investigation."
- An inquest can be a formal and structured inquiry, usually conducted by a coroner or legal authority.
Etymology:
The word "inquest" comes from the Latin word "inquisitio," meaning inquiry or inquisition. It entered Middle English from Old French "enqueste," which further developed from the Latin root.
Historical Usage:Inquests have been conducted for centuries as a means to determine the cause of death or investigate significant events.
Related Idioms:
"Call for an inquest"
Explanation:To request or demand an official inquiry or investigation into a matter.
Misconceptions:
Assuming an inquest is solely related to determining the cause of death.
Explanation:While inquests are commonly associated with investigating deaths, they can also be conducted for other significant events or situations.