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question

n. · v.
US //ˈkwɛstʃən// UK //kwˈɛstʃən// ques·tion
  1. 1 an inquiry (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a sentence or phrase used to ask for information.

    an interrogative expression used to elicit information or a response.

    Example

    If you have a question about the homework, please raise your hand.

    Example

    The student raised a complex question regarding the ethical implications of the study, prompting a lengthy debate among the faculty.
    Pitfall
    I have a question to you.
    I have a question for you.

    Use the preposition 'for' when directing a question toward someone.

  2. 2 a topic or issue (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a subject or problem that people are thinking about or discussing.

    a subject, issue, or matter under consideration or discussion.

    Example

    The question of how to save energy is very important today.

    Example

    The committee addressed the question of funding for the new arts centre during the final hour of the meeting.
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  1. 3 a doubt (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a feeling of doubt about whether something is true or correct.

    an expression of doubt or a challenge to the validity or accuracy of something.

    Example

    There is no question that she is the best person for the job.

    Example

    His honesty was never in question until the missing documents were discovered in his private office.
  2. 4 to ask for information (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to ask someone questions, often in an official way.

    to interrogate or solicit information from a person, often as part of a formal investigation.

    Example

    The police questioned the witness for two hours about the accident.

    Example

    Detectives questioned the suspect regarding his whereabouts on the night the jewellery was stolen from the gallery.
  3. 5 to express doubt (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to show that you doubt if something is true or right.

    to express or feel doubt about the merit, truth, or wisdom of something.

    Example

    You should never question your ability to learn a new language.

    Example

    Several shareholders began to question the CEO's decision to expand into the overseas market so aggressively.
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.

Word family
Idioms4 entries

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