What does inquest mean?
An inquest is a formal investigation, most commonly a legal proceeding that examines the cause and circumstances of a death. The term is particularly familiar in British English through the work of coroners, who may hold an inquest before a jury and record a formal finding such as a natural cause of death, an accident, or an unlawful killing. More broadly, “inquest” can describe any rigorous official or journalistic investigation into a serious or disputed matter. In such extended uses, it often conveys a sense of thoroughness, institutional authority, and scrutiny of disputed facts. The word is more legal in tone than the general term “inquiry” and should usually be reserved for genuinely formal proceedings or for contexts in which that formal character is intended.
A formal judicial investigation, especially one held to determine the cause and circumstances of a death.
"The coroner ordered an inquest into the unexplained death."
Especially associated with coroners' proceedings in British English.
A thorough or official investigation into a serious or disputed matter.
"The committee conducted an inquest into the organization's finances."
This extended use is formal and may be journalistic or satirical.
The regular plural is used for separate investigations or proceedings.
"Several inquests into deaths in custody were ordered."
An inquest asks a court-like authority not merely what happened, but under what legal circumstances a person died.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does inquest come from?
The word entered Middle English from Anglo-French inquest, a form of Old French inqueste. Old French inqueste derived from Latin inquesta, meaning “an inquiry” and related to the feminine past participle of inquirere, “to investigate.” Latin inquirere was formed from in- and quaerere, “to seek,” and is the source of cognates including inquire, inquisitive, and inquisitor.
How inquest is actually used
The word is strongly associated with legal and coronial proceedings in British English. In general, nonlegal use is comparatively formal and may suggest an exhaustive investigation, although it can also be used satirically or in headlines.
Easily confused with inquest
An inquest is a formal legal proceeding, whereas an inquiry is a broader investigation or request for information.