# questioning

/ˈkwɛstʃənɪŋ/ (US) · /kwˈɛstʃənɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/questioning
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. asking for information

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

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

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

- After three hours of questioning, the police let the witness go home.
- The suspect remained remarkably composed throughout the intense questioning, refusing to provide any details that might incriminate his associates.

### 2. doubting something

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- His constant questioning of the rules made him unpopular with the manager.
- The philosopher's rigorous questioning of established social norms paved the way for significant cultural reforms in the following decade.

### 3. showing curiosity or doubt

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- She gave him a questioning look when he said he was finished already.
- The student raised a questioning hand, clearly unsatisfied with the professor's overly simplistic explanation of the economic crisis.

### 4. identity exploration

adjective · CEFR C1 · General-service

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

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

- The university provides a safe space for students who are questioning their identity.
- The support group offers resources for questioning youth who may feel isolated while navigating their emerging sense of self.

## Examples

- The suspect remained calm during the police questioning.
- After hours of intense questioning by the committee, the CEO finally admitted to the accounting error.
- The defense attorney's aggressive questioning of the witness was designed to highlight inconsistencies in the previous testimony and create reasonable doubt.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.