question
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for question, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sentence or phrase used to ask for information or a response.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use question
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French question, from Latin quaestio, "a seeking, inquiry," from quaerere, "to seek, ask."
Full origin of question →Frequently asked questions
What does “question” mean?
The word “question” means a sentence or phrase used to ask for information or a response. In plain terms, a request for information, an unresolved issue, or the act of asking or doubting.
How do you pronounce “question”?
“Question” is pronounced KWEHS-chuhn (/ˈkwɛs.tʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “question” in a sentence?
Here is “question” used in a sentence: “She asked a simple question about the schedule.”
What is another word for “question”?
Words with a similar meaning to “question” include frain and quaeritate.
What part of speech is “question”?
Depending on how it is used, “question” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “question” come from?
The word “question” comes from Latin. From Old French question, from Latin quaestio, "a seeking, inquiry," from quaerere, "to seek, ask.".
Is “question” a common word?
“Question” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “question” have?
“Question” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sentence or phrase used to ask for information or a response.
What is the difference between a question and a query?
The two are close, but a query is usually a more specific or technical request for information, often to clear up a doubt or search a database. A question is the broad, everyday word for anything you ask. All queries are questions, but not every question is called a query.
What are the main types of questions?
Questions fall into a few common types. Closed questions expect a short, fixed answer such as yes or no. Open questions invite fuller responses and often begin with why or how. There are also rhetorical questions, asked for effect, and leading questions that hint at the reply they want.
What is the difference between a question and a statement?
A question asks for information or a response and, in writing, ends with a question mark. A statement gives information and ends with a full stop. 'Are you ready?' is a question; 'You are ready' is a statement. Word order and intonation usually signal which is which.
What is a rhetorical question?
A rhetorical question is asked for effect rather than to get an answer, because the answer is obvious or implied. 'Who wouldn't want that?' makes a point instead of seeking information. Speakers and writers use rhetorical questions to persuade, to emphasise, or to provoke thought.