question

[ kwes-chuhn ]

noun

1. a sentence in an interrogative form, addressed to someone in order to get information in reply.

   Synonyms: interrogation, query, inquiry

   Antonyms: reply, answer

2. a problem for discussion or under discussion; a matter for investigation.
3. a matter of some uncertainty or difficulty; problem (usually followed by of ):

   It was simply a question of time.

4. a subject of dispute or controversy.
5. a proposal to be debated or voted on, as in a meeting or a deliberative assembly.
6. the procedure of putting a proposal to vote.
7. Politics. a problem of public policy submitted to the voters for an expression of opinion.
8. Law.
   1. a controversy that is submitted to a judicial tribunal or administrative agency for decision.
   2. the interrogation by which information is secured.
   3. Obsolete. judicial examination or trial.
9. the act of asking or inquiring; interrogation; query.
10. inquiry into or discussion of some problem or doubtful matter.

verb (used with object)

1. to ask (someone) a question; ask questions of; interrogate.

   Synonyms: examine, query

   Antonyms: reply, answer

2. to ask or inquire.
3. to make a question of; doubt:

   He questioned her sincerity.

4. to challenge or dispute:

   She questioned the judge's authority in the case.

verb (used without object)

1. to ask a question or questions.

question

/ ˈkwɛstʃən /

noun

1. a form of words addressed to a person in order to elicit information or evoke a response; interrogative sentence
2. a point at issue

   it's only a question of time until she dies

   the question is how long they can keep up the pressure

3. a difficulty or uncertainty; doubtful point

   there's no question about it

   a question of money

4. 1. an act of asking
   2. an investigation into some problem or difficulty
5. a motion presented for debate by a deliberative body
6. put the question
   to require members of a deliberative assembly to vote on a motion presented
7. law a matter submitted to a court or other tribunal for judicial or quasi-judicial decision
8. question of fact
   (in English law) that part of the issue before a court that is decided by the jury
9. question of law
   (in English law) that part of the issue before a court that is decided by the judge
10. beg the question
    1. to avoid giving a direct answer by posing another question
    2. to assume the truth of that which is intended to be proved See petitio principii
11. beyond (all) question
    beyond (any) dispute or doubt
12. call in or into question
    1. to make (something) the subject of disagreement
    2. to cast doubt upon the validity, truth, etc, of (something)
13. in question
    under discussion

    this is the man in question

14. out of the question
    beyond consideration; unthinkable or impossible

    the marriage is out of the question

15. pop the question informal.
    to propose marriage

verb

1. to put a question or questions to (a person); interrogate
2. to make (something) the subject of dispute or disagreement
3. to express uncertainty about the validity, truth, etc, of (something); doubt

Usage

The question whether should be used rather than the question of whether or the question as to whether: this leaves open the question whether he acted correctly

Derived Forms

• ˈquestioner, noun

Other Words From

• question·er noun
• counter·question noun verb
• outquestion verb (used with object)
• pre·question verb (used with object)
• re·question verb (used with object)
• sub·question noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of question¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; (noun) Middle English questio(u)n, questiun, from Anglo-French questiun, Middle French question, from Latin quaestiōn- (stem of quaestiō ), equivalent to quaes-, stem of quaerere “to ask” + -tiōn- -tion; (verb) late Middle English, from Middle French questioner, derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of question¹

C13: via Old French from Latin quaestiō, from quaerere to seek

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. beyond question, beyond dispute; without doubt: Also beyond all question.

   It was, beyond question, a magnificent performance.

2. call in / into question,
   1. to dispute; challenge.
   2. to cast doubt upon; question:

      This report calls into question all previous research on the subject.

3. in question,
   1. under consideration.
   2. in dispute.
4. out of the question, not to be considered; unthinkable; impossible:

   She thought about a trip to Spain but dismissed it as out of the question.

5. beg the question. beg ¹( def 9 ).

More idioms and phrases containing question

see ask a stupid question ; beg the question ; beside the point (question) ; beyond question ; burning question ; call in question ; in question ; leading question ; loaded question ; open question ; out of the question ; pop the question ; rhetorical question ; without question .

Synonym Study

See inquire.

Example Sentences

Inevitably, there will be questions about the health risks posed by this new compound, which could not be previously evaluated in any toxicity studies.

From Science Daily

Once they had reconciled the numerical model with the sediment core, the researchers began to ask questions about the future.

From Science Daily

Someone asks a question and then it takes a couple of breaths and then they just move on, because we can't slow down to hear them.

From Salon

The question of money has long been a running sore in global climate negotiations.

From BBC

A key question is where the effective financial inheritance tax threshold for estates with agricultural assets kicks in.

From BBC

Related Words

• challenge
• examine
• grill
• interrogate
• interview
• investigate
• query
• quiz
• search
• seek

How Do You Spell Question?

Spelling tips for question

The word question is hard to spell because it sounds like it might begin with a kw, rather than a qu, as in kwestion. 

How to spell question: When you ask a question you are on a quest for information. This can help you remember that question begins with qu- rather than kw-. You simply add quest to the common suffix -ion and you have the correct spelling of question.