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question

n. countable
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ˈkwɛstʃən// UK //kwˈɛstʃən// ques·tion Archaic General-service

n. a sentence or phrase used to find out information. You use this when you want to know something from another person.

n. an interrogative expression used to elicit information or a response. Often used to refer to a specific problem or matter requiring discussion or a solution.


SIMPLE

Can I ask you a quick question?

CONTEXTUAL

The teacher encouraged the students to raise their hands if they had a question about the homework.

COMPLEX

The committee addressed the fundamental question of whether the current budget could sustain such an ambitious expansion over the next five fiscal years.

Synonyms
Antonyms
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.

Usage

Commonly takes the prepositions 'about' or 'on' when specifying a topic.

Pitfall

I have a doubt about the lessonI have a question about the lessonEFL learners often use 'doubt' when they mean they have a 'question' or need clarification.

Idioms4 entries

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