beg the question

phrase

1
: to elicit a question logically as a reaction or response
the quarterback's injury begs the question of who will start in his place
2
: to pass over or ignore a question by assuming it to be established or settled

Examples of beg the question in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The triumph of Zayn now begs the question of what Rhodes does from here. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of beg the question was in 1581

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Cite this Entry

“Beg the question.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beg%20the%20question. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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