Question

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈkwÉ›stʃən/, /ˈkwÉ›stjÉ™n/, /ˈkwɛʃtʃən/
• Hyphenation: ques + tion

Alternative forms

• quæstion archaic

Origin

From Middle English question, questioun, questiun (""), from Anglo-Norman questiun, from Old French question, from Latin quaestionem, accusative of quaestio ("a seeking, investigation, inquiry, question"), from quaerere ("to seek, ask, inquire").

Century 1911

Displaced native Middle English frain, fraign ("question") (from Old English fræġn); compare Middle English frainen, freinen ("to inquire, question"), Middle English afrainen, affrainen ("to question").

Full definition of question

Noun

1. A sentence, phrase or word which asks for information, reply or response; an interrogative.
• 1913, Joseph C. Lincoln, Mr. Pratt's Patients Chapter 4, I told him about everything I could think of; and what I couldn't think of he did. He asked about six questions during my yarn, but every question had a point to it. At the end he bowed and thanked me once more. As a thanker he was main-truck high; I never see anybody so polite.
2. What is your question?
3. A subject or topic for consideration or investigation.
   The question of seniority will be discussed at the meeting.
   There was a question of which material to use.
4. A doubt or challenge about the truth or accuracy of a matter.
   His claim to the property has come under question.
   The story is true beyond question.He obeyed without question.
• Bible, John iii. 25There arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
• Francis BaconIt is to be to question, whether it be lawful for Christian princes to make an invasive war simply for the propagation of the faith.
5. A proposal to a meeting as a topic for deliberation.
   I move that the question be put to a vote.
6. interrogation by torture
• MacaulayThe Scottish privy council had power to put state prisoners to the question.
7. (obsolete) Talk; conversation; speech.

Synonyms

• inquiry, enquiry, query, subject, topic, problem, issue, consideration, interrogation, doubt, motion, proposition, proposal

Derived terms

Related terms

• query
• quest

Verb

1. To ask questions of; interrogate; enquire; ask for information.
• Francis BaconHe that questioneth much shall learn much.
2. To raise doubts about; have doubts about.
3. (obsolete) To argue; to converse; to dispute.
• ShakespeareI pray you, think you question with the Jew.

Synonyms

• frain

Derived terms

• questioner