inquisitor

What does “inquisitor” mean?

noun.a person making an inquiry, especially one seen to be excessively harsh or searching.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in passages related to historical contexts, particularly those involving justice, authority, or scrutiny. It emphasizes an aggressive or relentless pursuit of truth, suggesting not just inquiry but also an element of harshness or persecution, distinguishing it from more neutral terms like "investigator," which lack the connotation of severity.

Common Confusions

Inquisitor implies an aggressive or harsh pursuit of truth, while investigator usually suggests a more neutral and objective examination of facts without the connotation of severity.

Example Sentences

• The relentless inquisitor questioned every detail of her story.

• The inquisitor peppered the witness with relentless questions.