question Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an instance of questioning
    enquiry; inquiry; interrogation; query.
    • there was a question about my training
    • we made inquiries of all those who were present
  2. noun the subject matter at issue
    head.
    • the question of disease merits serious discussion
    • under the head of minor Roman poets
  3. noun a sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply
    interrogation; interrogative; interrogative sentence.
    • he asked a direct question
    • he had trouble phrasing his interrogations
  4. noun uncertainty about the truth or factuality or existence of something
    doubtfulness; doubt; dubiousness.
    • the dubiousness of his claim
    • there is no question about the validity of the enterprise
  5. noun a formal proposal for action made to a deliberative assembly for discussion and vote
    motion.
    • he made a motion to adjourn
    • she called for the question
  6. noun an informal reference to a marriage proposal
    • he was ready to pop the question
  7. verb challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
    call into question; oppugn.
    • We must question your judgment in this matter
  8. verb pose a series of questions to
    interrogate.
    • The suspect was questioned by the police
    • We questioned the survivor about the details of the explosion
  9. verb pose a question
    query.
  10. verb conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
    interview.
  11. verb place in doubt or express doubtful speculation
    wonder.
    • I wonder whether this was the right thing to do
    • she wondered whether it would snow tonight

WordNet


Ques"tion noun
Etymology
F., fr. L. quaestio, fr. quaerere, quaesitum, to seek for, ask, inquire. See Quest, n.
Definitions
  1. The act of asking; interrogation; inquiry; as, to examine by question and answer.
  2. Discussion; debate; hence, objection; dispute; doubt; as, the story is true beyond question; he obeyed without question.
    There arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. John iii. 25.
    It is to be to question, whether it be lawful for Christian princes to make an invasive war simply for the propagation of the faith. Bacon.
  3. Examination with reference to a decisive result; investigation; specifically, a judicial or official investigation; also, examination under torture. Blackstone.
    He that was in question for the robbery. Shak. The Scottish privy council had power to put state prisoners to the question. Macaulay.
  4. That which is asked; inquiry; interrogatory; query.
    But this question asked Puts me in doubt. Lives there who loves his pain ? Milton.
  5. Hence, a subject of investigation, examination, or debate; theme of inquiry; matter to be inquired into; as, a delicate or doubtful question.
  6. Talk; conversation; speech; speech.Obs. Shak. Syn. -- Point; topic; subject.
Ques"tion intransitive verb
Etymology
Cf. F. questionner. See Question, n.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Questioned ; present participle & verbal noun Questioning
Definitions
  1. To ask questions; to inquire.
    He that questioneth much shall lean much. Bacon.
  2. To argue; to converse; to dispute. Obs.
    I pray you, think you question with the Jew. Shak.
Ques"tion transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To inquire of by asking questions; to examine by interrogatories; as, to question a witness.
  2. To doubt of; to be uncertain of; to query.
    And most we question what we most desire. Prior.
  3. To raise a question about; to call in question; to make objection to. "But have power and right to question thy bold entrance on this place." Milton.
  4. To talk to; to converse with.
    With many holiday and lady terms he questioned me. Shak.
    Syn. -- To ask; interrogate; catechise; doubt; controvert; dispute. -- Question, Inquire, Interrogate. To inquire is merely to ask for information, and implies no authority in the one who asks. To interrogate is to put repeated questions in a formal or systematic fashion to elicit some particular fact or facts. To question has a wider sense than to interrogate, and often implies an attitude of distrust or opposition on the part of the questioner.

Webster 1913