First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1question
noun ques·tion \ˈkwes-chən, ˈkwesh-\
: a sentence, phrase, or word that asks for information or is used to test someone's knowledge
: a matter or problem that is being discussed : a subject or topic
: doubt or uncertainty about something
Full Definition of QUESTION
1
a (1) : an interrogative expression often used to test knowledge (2) : an interrogative sentence or clause b : a subject or aspect in dispute or open for discussion : issue; broadly : problem, matter c (1) : a subject or point of debate or a proposition to be voted on in a meeting (2) : the bringing of such to a vote d : the specific point at issue
2
a : an act or instance of asking : inquiry b : interrogation; also : a judicial or official investigation c : torture as part of an examination d (1) : objection, dispute <true beyond question> (2) : room for doubt or objection <little question of his skill> (3) : chance, possibility <no question of escape>
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Origin of QUESTION
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin quaestion-, quaestio, from quaerere to seek, ask
Related to QUESTION
- Synonyms
- interrogative, problem
2question
verb
: to ask (someone) questions about something
: to have or express doubt about (something)
Full Definition of QUESTION
transitive verb
1
: to ask a question of or about
2
: to interrogate intensively : cross-examine
intransitive verb
See question defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of QUESTION
15th century
Related to QUESTION
Synonym Discussion of QUESTION
ask, question, interrogate, query, inquire mean to address a person in order to gain information. ask implies no more than the putting of a question <ask for directions>. question usually suggests the asking of series of questions <questioned them about every detail of the trip>. interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning <the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day>. query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation <queried a librarian about the book>. inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions <began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue>.
ask, request, solicit mean to seek to obtain by making one's wants known. ask implies no more than the statement of the desire <ask a favor of a friend>. request implies greater formality and courtesy <requests the pleasure of your company>. solicit suggests a calling attention to one's wants or desires by public announcement or advertisement <a letter soliciting information>.
ask, request, solicit mean to seek to obtain by making one's wants known. ask implies no more than the statement of the desire <ask a favor of a friend>. request implies greater formality and courtesy <requests the pleasure of your company>. solicit suggests a calling attention to one's wants or desires by public announcement or advertisement <a letter soliciting information>.
QUESTION Defined for Kids
1question
noun ques·tion \ˈkwes-chən\
Definition of QUESTION for Kids
1
: something asked <Please answer my question.>
2
: a topic discussed or argued about <The book raises several questions.>
3
: objection 1 <He obeyed without question.>
4
: doubt or uncertainty about something <I trust him without question.>
5
: possibility 1, chance <There was no question of escape.>
2question
verb
ques·tionedques·tion·ing
Definition of QUESTION for Kids
1
: to ask questions of or about <Lawyers questioned the witness.>
2
: to have or express doubts about <They questioned his loyalty.>
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