noun
Common
questioning
KWEHS-chuh-nihng
Questioning (noun) means the act of asking questions, especially formally, as in an investigation. Example: “The police continued their questioning of the witness late into the evening.”
noun
1
The act of asking questions, especially formally, as in an investigation.
"The police continued their questioning of the witness late into the evening."
"The suspect was taken in for questioning."
"After hours of questioning, he finally admitted the truth."
adj
1
Showing curiosity, doubt, or a desire to understand.
"The child's questioning nature meant she asked why about everything she saw."
"She gave him a questioning look."
"He has a naturally questioning mind."
2
Uncertain about one's own sexual orientation or gender identity.
"He was still questioning, so he took his time before telling anyone."
"The support group welcomes anyone who is questioning."
"She described herself as questioning at the time."
How to use questioning
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of asking questions, a curious or doubtful expression, or being unsure about one's identity.
Common pairings
under questioning
questioning look
questioning mind
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Word forms
- Plural
- questionings
- Comparative
- more questioning
- Superlative
- most questioning
Fill the gap
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The police continued their _____ of the witness late into the evening.
Etymology
From question + -ing.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for questioning
See all rhymes for questioning →Frequently asked questions
What does “questioning” mean?
The word “questioning” means the act of asking questions, especially formally, as in an investigation. In plain terms, the act of asking questions, a curious or doubtful expression, or being unsure about one's identity.
How do you pronounce “questioning”?
“Questioning” is pronounced KWEHS-chuh-nihng (/ˈkwɛʃ.tə.nɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “questioning” in a sentence?
Here is “questioning” used in a sentence: “The suspect was taken in for questioning.”
What part of speech is “questioning”?
Depending on how it is used, “questioning” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “questioning” a common word?
“Questioning” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “questioning” have?
“Questioning” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of asking questions, especially formally, as in an investigation.
What is the difference between questioning and interrogation?
Questioning is the general act of asking questions, and it can be neutral or friendly as well as formal. Interrogation implies formal, sustained, and often aggressive questioning, typically of a suspect by police or officials, so it carries a much harsher tone.
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