question
KWEHS-chuhn
Question (noun) means a sentence or phrase used to ask for information or a response. Example: “She asked a simple question about the schedule.”
noun
1
A sentence or phrase used to ask for information or a response.
"She asked a simple question about the schedule."
"There were ten questions on the exam."
"Can I ask you a quick question about the homework?"
2
A matter or issue open to doubt or debate.
"There's some question about whether the plan will work."
"The whole issue is now a question of trust."
"The question remains whether the old bridge is safe for heavy lorries."
verb
1
To ask someone questions, especially formally or to gather information.
"Police questioned the witness for hours."
"The teacher questioned the students on the reading."
"The interviewer questioned her about her previous job and her hobbies."
2
To express doubt about something.
"He began to question her motives."
"Nobody questioned the decision at the time."
"I question whether this shortcut will really save us any time."
How to use question
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA request for information, an unresolved issue, or the act of asking or doubting.
Common pairings
ask a question
question of
without question
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Word forms
- Plural
- questions
- Third person singular
- questions
- Past tense
- questioned
Fill the gap
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She asked a simple _____ about the schedule.
Etymology
From Old French question, from Latin quaestio, "a seeking, inquiry," from quaerere, "to seek, ask."
Synonyms
View more →
query
inquiry
enquiry
poser
dubiousness
interrogation
head
doubt
interrogative
doubtfulness
oppugn
interrogate
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for question
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for 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.
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