Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
       

ques·tion

question

 
 
pronunciation:
kwes chn
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
phrases:
beyond question, in question, out of the question
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word History, Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a sentence that requests information or some other type of reply.
Only a few students asked the professor questions during her lecture.
synonyms:
inquiry, query
definition 2: a matter to be considered or discussed.
The question of tearing down the old library was the main topic of discussion at the town meeting.
synonyms:
issue, problem, topic
similar words:
business, point
definition 3: something for which there is no clear answer at present; a matter of uncertainty, puzzlement, or controversy.
It is a real question how soon the war will end.After reading the article, I was left with many questions.
synonyms:
mystery, problem, uncertainty
similar words:
issue
definition 4: a proposal requiring discussion and a vote, as in a legislature.
synonyms:
motion
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: beyond question, in question, out of the question
 
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: questions, questioning, questioned
definition 1: to ask a question or questions of, esp. concerning serious matters or because of suspicions.
The reporters questioned the governor about his plans for helping the flood victims.His parents questioned him about where he had been till four o'clock in the morning.
synonyms:
ask, query
similar words:
inquire, pump, sound out, survey
definition 2: to interrogate, esp. a witness to or a suspect of a crime.
The police are questioning the suspect now.
synonyms:
examine, interrogate
similar words:
catechize, cross-examine, grill, pump, query, quiz, scrutinize, test
definition 3: to express misgiving or doubt about.
I question your wisdom in this decision.
synonyms:
doubt, suspect
antonyms:
accept
similar words:
challenge, contest, dispute, distrust, mistrust
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to ask questions.
synonyms:
inquire
similar words:
ask, probe
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivation: questioner (n.)
Word History
The words question and quest both come from a Latin word that means "to seek or ask."
Word Explorer
See
  education, school
Word PartsSubscriber feature About this feature