inquiry-based
UK[ɪnˈkwaɪəri beɪst]US[ˈɪnkwəri beɪst]
adj
Relating to or denoting a method of learning or teaching that starts by posing questions, problems, or scenarios rather than simply presenting facts.
adj
Founded on or derived from a process of systematic investigation.
Morpheme Breakdown
inquiry
based
inquiry
noun
based
adjective suffix
Etymology
The compound adjective 'inquiry-based' is a modern pedagogical term that logically combines two established English words. 'Inquiry' originates from the Latin verb inquirere, meaning "to seek into," which itself is composed of in- (into) and quaerere (to seek). 'Based' derives from the Latin basis, meaning a foundation or pedestal. The term's literal construction—"founded upon seeking"—perfectly encapsulates its modern abstract meaning: an educational approach where the foundational activity is the act of questioning and investigation, rather than the passive reception of information.
Analysis
Structure: inquiry (noun) + based (adjective suffix)
- inquiry: From Latin inquirere (to seek into), via Old French enquerre. The morpheme functions as the nominal root, providing the core concept of investigation.
- based: From Old French baser (to lower, found), from Latin basis (foundation, base). The suffix -ed forms a participial adjective, indicating "having as a foundation."
Examples
The school promotes an inquiry-based curriculum that encourages students to explore scientific concepts through hands-on experiments.
Her research follows an inquiry-based methodology, beginning with open-ended questions rather than predetermined hypotheses.
Inquiry-based learning is often more engaging for students than traditional lecture-based instruction.