adverb
- in a manner characteristic of an inquisitor; with intense, searching, or probing questioning
- in a manner relating to or characteristic of the Inquisition or inquisitorial courts
Usage: formal; often implies aggressive or relentless questioning
Usage: historical; formal
Examples
- The detective questioned the suspect inquisitorially, pressing for details at every turn.
- She looked at him inquisitorially, her eyes narrowing as she waited for an explanation.
- The panel members examined the witness inquisitorially, leaving no stone unturned.
- He spoke inquisitorially, demanding answers to every claim made in the report.
- The teacher regarded the student inquisitorially when the homework was not submitted.