question

¹ques·tion

noun \ˈkwes-chən, ˈkwesh-\

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>

Examples of QUESTION

1. Can I ask you a personal question?
2. I don't understand the question.
3. Are there any more questions?
4. In answer to your question, our next meeting will be on Friday.
5. The essay questions on the test were easy.
6. There are 10 multiple-choice questions on the exam.
7. The exam included several questions on current events.
8. The question arose as to who would be responsible for caring for our grandmother.
9. I expected him to ask where I worked, but the question never came up.
10. The key question in solving the mystery is, how did the murderer enter the house?

Origin of QUESTION

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin quaestion-, quaestio, from quaerere to seek, ask

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to QUESTION

Synonyms

interrogative, problem

Related Words

brainteaser, conundrum, poser, puzzle, quiz, riddle, stickler, stumper, toughie (also toughy)

Near Antonyms

answer, response, solution

²question

verb

Definition of QUESTION

transitive verb

1

: to ask a question of or about

2

: to interrogate intensively : cross-examine

3

a : doubt, dispute

b : to subject to analysis : examine

intransitive verb

: to ask questions : inquire

— ques·tion·er noun

Examples of QUESTION

1. The reporter questioned her at length on her life as the First Lady.
2. The witness was questioned by the defense.
3. I could tell that she was questioning my decision.
4. He began to question his ability to do the job.
5. I trusted him and I never questioned what he told me.
6. The lawyer questioned the truth of the witness's statement.
7. He began to question whether the things she had said were really true.

First Known Use of QUESTION

15th century

Related to QUESTION

Synonyms

contest, dispute, impeach, oppugn, query, challenge

Antonyms

accept, believe, embrace, swallow

Related Words

doubt, mistrust; kick (about), object (to), protest; combat, fight, oppose, resist

Near Antonyms

back, defend, support; advocate, champion, promote; abide, endure, stomach, tolerate

See Synonym Discussion at ask