question

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.

“Question” is pronounced KWEHS-chuhn (/ˈkwɛs.tʃən/ in IPA).

Here is “question” used in a sentence: “She asked a simple question about the schedule.”

Words with a similar meaning to “question” include frain and quaeritate.

Depending on how it is used, “question” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “question” comes from Latin. From Old French question, from Latin quaestio, "a seeking, inquiry," from quaerere, "to seek, ask.".

“Question” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.