What does "questioning" mean?

1. (asking for information) the act of asking someone questions, often in a formal way like by the police or in a meeting. 2. (doubting something) the act of showing that you have doubts about whether something is true or right. 3. (showing curiosity or doubt) looking or acting in a way that shows you want to know more or that you are not sure about something. 4. (identity exploration) used to describe someone who is not yet sure about their sexual orientation or gender identity.

questioning

n. · adj.

US //ˈkwɛstʃənɪŋ// UK //kwˈɛstʃənɪŋ// ques·tion·ing

1 asking for information (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

the act of asking someone questions, often in a formal way like by the police or in a meeting.

the systematic process of asking questions to elicit information or a confession; often used in legal or official contexts.

Example

After three hours of questioning, the police let the witness go home.

Example

The suspect remained remarkably composed throughout the intense questioning, refusing to provide any details that might incriminate his associates.
2 doubting something (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the act of showing that you have doubts about whether something is true or right.

the expression of doubt or the act of challenging the validity or truth of a statement or belief.

Example

His constant questioning of the rules made him unpopular with the manager.

Example

The philosopher's rigorous questioning of established social norms paved the way for significant cultural reforms in the following decade.
- acceptance
- belief

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3 showing curiosity or doubt (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

looking or acting in a way that shows you want to know more or that you are not sure about something.

characterised by the expression of curiosity, inquisitiveness, or intellectual doubt.

Example

She gave him a questioning look when he said he was finished already.

Example

The student raised a questioning hand, clearly unsatisfied with the professor's overly simplistic explanation of the economic crisis.
- inquisitive
- quizzical
- searching
- certain
- unquestioning
4 identity exploration (adj.)
C1 Advanced General-service

used to describe someone who is not yet sure about their sexual orientation or gender identity.

pertaining to the process of exploring or being uncertain about one's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Example

The university provides a safe space for students who are questioning their identity.

Example

The support group offers resources for questioning youth who may feel isolated while navigating their emerging sense of self.
- exploring

Origin

From question + -ing (noun via Middle English questionyng).