questioning

[ kwes-chuh-ning ]

adjective

1. indicating or implying a question:

   a questioning tone in her voice.

2. characterized by or indicating intellectual curiosity; inquiring:

   an alert and questioning mind.

noun

1. an inquiry or interrogation.

questioning

/ ˈkwɛstʃənɪŋ /

adjective

1. proceeding from or characterized by a feeling of doubt or uncertainty
2. enthusiastic or eager for philosophical or other investigations; intellectually stimulated

   an alert and questioning mind

Derived Forms

• ˈquestioningly, adverb

Other Words From

• question·ing·ly adverb
• half-question·ing adjective
• half-question·ing·ly adverb
• un·question·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of questioning¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; question + -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

I saw something you said recently that struck me, questioning if horror is good for women.

From Salon

The manager of the hostel has since been detained for questioning by police.

From BBC

Earlier, the former MP faced robust questioning about the squeeze on facilities many hospitals had endured at the peak of the two most significant waves of Covid.

From BBC

He compiles thick dossiers on everyone — when not questioning his fitness for the job.

From Los Angeles Times

“I felt really scared to be honest,” says James, describing an incident on Snapchat that left him questioning whether it was safe to go to school.

From BBC

Related Words

• examination