question Hear it!

question Definition

ques·tion (kwes′c̸hən, -tyən)

noun

  1. an asking; inquiry
  2. something that is asked; interrogative sentence, as in seeking to learn or in testing another's knowledge; query
  3. doubt; uncertainty no question of his veracity
  4. something in controversy before a court
  5. a problem; matter open to discussion or inquiry
  6. a matter or case of difficulty not a question of money
    1. a point being debated or a resolution brought up for approval or rejection before an assembly
    2. the procedure of putting such a matter to a vote

Etymology: ME < Anglo-Fr questiun < OFr question < L quaestio < pp. of quaerere, to ask, inquire

transitive verb

  1. to ask a question or questions of; interrogate; put queries to
  2. to express uncertainty about; doubt
  3. to dispute; challenge

Etymology: LME questyonen < MFr questionner < the n.

intransitive verb

to ask a question or questions

question Related Forms

ques′·tioner noun

question Idioms

beside the question

not related to the subject under discussion

beyond (all) question

beyond dispute; without any doubt

in question

being considered, debated, etc.

out of the question

impossible; not to be considered

question Synonyms

question

n.

  1. A query

    inquiry, inquiring, interrogatory, interrogative, interrogation, inquisition, feeler, catechism, inquest, rhetorical question, burning question, crucial question, leading question, catch question, academic question, vexed question, sixty-four dollar question*.

    Antonyms answer*, solution*, reply. *

  2. A puzzle

    enigma, mystery, problem; see puzzle 2.

  3. A subject

    proposal, topic, issue; see issue 1, subject 1.

beside the question

not germane, beside the point, immaterial; see irrelevant.

beyond question

beyond dispute, without any doubt, undoubtedly; see surely, unquestionably.

in question

being considered, under discussion, under consideration, under advisement, at issue, controversial, in dispute, up for discussion, on the floor, on the agenda; see also controversial, questionable 1, uncertain 2.

out of the question

not to be considered, by no means, unthinkable; see impossible 1.

question Synonyms

question

v.

  1. To ask

    inquire, interrogate, examine, query, quest, seek, search, sound out, petition, solicit, ask about, catechize, show curiosity, pry into, ask a leading question, challenge, raise a question, pick one's brains, make inquiry, quiz, cross-examine, probe, investigate, interview, debrief, put to the question, bring into question, grill*, pump*, give the third degree*; see also ask 1.

  2. To doubt

    distrust, suspect, dispute; see doubt 1, 2. See syn. study at ask.

question Usage Examples

Object

wisdom: And I also agree with the person who questions the wisdom of signing Lennon as a replacement.

Converse of object

  • ask: He asked the question along the lines of " I charge a company £ 1000 for a training course.
  • answer: Let me answer the question I have just posed.
  • raise: People still raise the question of why we hunt.
  • pose: The page poses five questions - four based on the color red; one about science in Africa.
  • beg: It begs the question: what is the best way to assist companies that are to the fore in research and development?
  • address: Earlier I referred to the 1996 volume of Pressing Problems in Law which addressed the question, 'What are Law Schools For?

Adjective modifier

  • fundamental: The fundamental question is " Are our hearts right with God?
  • unanswered: But his old magic was dulled by the unanswered questions left over from Clapham Common.
  • specific: I shall try now to answer some of the specific questions.
  • key: The ABD believes the public should demand answers to 4 key questions: 1. Who are the people who are claimed to have died?
  • difficult: Difficult questions Remember that everyone is having the same difficulties.
  • interesting: The more interesting question has yet to be asked.

Modifies a noun

mark: Any piece of information which is followed by a double question mark in parenthesis ( ?

Noun used with modifier

  • answering: Answering Questions Unfortunately, your presentation does not end once you have finished what you have to say.
  • essay: Essay Question: What problems did Alfred face in defending Wessex from Viking attack and how successful was he in solving them?
  • exam: A set of multiple choice exam questions are available for the user to test their understanding of the subject.
  • burning: The perceived ability of learning providers to meet the needs of business has become a burning question.
  • answer: Having said that some mention needs to be made of the question; why do guests on the Trisha Show answer questions at all.

Used with why or when

why: We must question why the arrests have been accompanied by such drama which once again stirs up fear.