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

No one would be questioning their efforts if they were searching for their daughter instead of a dog, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

“I was a little obnoxious for the first few years,” Hoff said of her constant questioning and search for a critical flaw.

From Los Angeles Times

With a few high-profile cases like Perry’s death recently circulating in the news, others are questioning whether it is time to develop a stronger regulatory network for ketamine prescribing to prevent misuse and diversion.

From Salon

Institutions themselves are questioning whether they’re too reliant on international student income and how to fix it, Dr Brown says: "It's a discussion that every university is having."

From BBC

But in the weeks following the election, he made repeated claims on social media questioning the results of the vote and the integrity of Brazil's electronic voting system.

From BBC

Related Words

• examination