Words / B2

INGKW-est/ˈɪŋkwest/

An inquest is a UK coroner’s official inquiry, usually into a sudden death: open an inquest; an inquest jury. Inquiry is wider; trial is criminal. The inquest will hear why the lights failed. News register. Do not call a school complaint an inquest.

Meaning

An official inquiry, especially by a coroner into a sudden death (UK).

Examples

• “The inquest will hear why the crossing lights failed in fog.”
• “The coroner opened an inquest, which is the set legal phrase.”

Good to know

open / hold an inquest; an inquest into. Wider: inquiry. Criminal: trial. UK coroners and news. Death investigations, not staff meetings.

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