question
- 01 A1 Beginner
n.a sentence or phrase used to ask for information.
n.an interrogative expression used to elicit information or a response.
Simple“If you have a question about the homework, please raise your hand.”
In context“The student raised a complex question regarding the ethical implications of the study, prompting a lengthy debate among the faculty.”
PitfallI have a question to you. I have a question for you.Use the preposition 'for' when directing a question toward someone.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a subject or problem that people are thinking about or discussing.
n.a subject, issue, or matter under consideration or discussion.
Simple“The question of how to save energy is very important today.”
In context“The committee addressed the question of funding for the new arts centre during the final hour of the meeting.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a feeling of doubt about whether something is true or correct.
n.an expression of doubt or a challenge to the validity or accuracy of something.
Simple“There is no question that she is the best person for the job.”
In context“His honesty was never in question until the missing documents were discovered in his private office.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 B1 Intermediate
v.to ask someone questions, often in an official way.
v.to interrogate or solicit information from a person, often as part of a formal investigation.
Simple“The police questioned the witness for two hours about the accident.”
In context“Detectives questioned the suspect regarding his whereabouts on the night the jewellery was stolen from the gallery.”
Synonyms - 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to show that you doubt if something is true or right.
v.to express or feel doubt about the merit, truth, or wisdom of something.
Simple“You should never question your ability to learn a new language.”
In context“Several shareholders began to question the CEO's decision to expand into the overseas market so aggressively.”
question vs problem — A problem is a situation that needs fixing, while a question is a request for information that needs an answer.
Usage question mark · question marks · question matters
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.
From Middle English questionen, questyonen, partly from Middle French questionner and partly from the noun.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.