What does "question" mean?
A worded or expressed sentence, phrase, or only a word on its own, which asks for information, a reply, or a response; an interrogative.
Question
/ˈkwɛʃ.tən/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A worded or expressed sentence, phrase, or only a word on its own, which asks for information, a reply, or a response; an interrogative.
- Grammar: question is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: doubt, inquiry, query, contradict.
- Useful contrasts: nonmoving premise, prompt answer, the answer.
- Usage evidence: I need to ask you a silly question.
How to use "question"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "question" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "question" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "question" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "question" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "question" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "doubt" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "question", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A worded or expressed sentence, phrase, or only a word on its own, which asks for information, a reply, or a response; an interrogative.
"What is your question?"
- 2 uncertainty about the truth or factuality or existence of something wordnet
- 3 A subject or topic for consideration or investigation.
"The question of seniority will be discussed at the meeting."
- 4 the subject matter at issue wordnet
- 5 A doubt or challenge about the truth, accuracy, or validity of a matter.
"His claim to the property has come under question."
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 an informal reference to a marriage proposal wordnet
- 7 A proposal to a meeting as a topic for deliberation.
"I move that the question be put to a vote."
- 8 a formal proposal for action made to a deliberative assembly for discussion and vote wordnet
- 9 Interrogation by torture. archaic, historical, with-definite-article
"I, not at all ambitious of the crown of martyrdom, resolved to temporize: so that, when I was brought to the question the second time, I made a solemn recantation […]"
- 10 an instance of questioning wordnet
- 11 Talk; conversation; speech. obsolete
"Made she no verbal question?"
- 12 a sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply wordnet
Verb
- 1 To ask questions of; to interrogate; to ask for information. transitive
"Yet he lingered in Perryville with the determination of seeing Ruth, and questioning her about Helen Murray's letters."
- 2 pose a question wordnet
- 3 To raise doubts about; have doubts about. transitive
"Question things. I have the most fun when I'm writing questioning things that people do not question- the assumptions that everybody knows are true."
- 4 pose a series of questions to wordnet
- 5 To ask a question or questions; inquire or seek to know; examine. intransitive
"He that questioneth much shall learn much."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting wordnet
- 7 To argue; to converse; to dispute. intransitive, obsolete
"I pray you, think you question with the Jew."
- 8 challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of wordnet
- 9 place in doubt or express doubtful speculation wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"I need to ask you a silly question."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "question"?
Common synonyms include: doubt, inquiry, query, contradict, absurd, academic topic.
How do you use "question" in a sentence?
I need to ask you a silly question.
How do you pronounce "question"?
Pronounced /ˈkwɛʃ.tən/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English questioun, from Anglo-Norman questiun, from Old French question, from Latin quaestiōnem, accusative of quaestiō (“a seeking, investigation, inquiry, question”), from quaerere (“to seek, ask, inquire”), of uncertain origin, but possibly from Proto-Italic *kʷaizeō, from Proto-Indo-European *kʷeh₂- (“to acquire”). Partially displaced native Old English āscung. Compare also Middle Low German quēstie (“questioning; inquiry”), Middle High German questje (“question”). Cognates include English quest.
Etymology 2
From Middle English questionen, questyonen, partly from Middle French questionner and partly from the noun.