noun, verb

question

/KWES-chun/ ques·tion 2 syllables

A sentence asking for information; to ask or challenge.

Word facts

Part of speech noun, verb
Syllables 2
Letters 8
Starts with Q

Definition

A question is a sentence that asks for information or expresses doubt. As a verb, to question means to ask about something or to challenge its truth or accuracy.

Usage: A question asks for information. A query is a specific type of question, often technical or formal. To question something (verb) can mean to doubt or challenge it.

Example sentences

  1. 1

    She raised her hand to ask a question about the homework.

  2. 2

    The report raises serious questions about the company's safety record.

  3. 3

    It is healthy to question information rather than accept it without evidence.

Word family

adjective questionable
noun questionnaire
adjective unquestioned
Word origin

From Latin quaestio ('a seeking, inquiry'), from quaerere ('to seek, ask'). Question, query, and quest all share this root — they are all about seeking.

Memory tip

Question contains 'quest' — a question sends you on a quest to find an answer.

Explore this word in Word Lab

FAQ

Questions people ask

What is the difference between a question and a query?

A query is a specific type of question, often for information retrieval or formal inquiry. In everyday use, they are close synonyms.

What does 'it's out of the question' mean?

It means the idea is completely impossible or not going to be considered.