question
Also found in: Thesaurus, Medical, Legal, Financial, Acronyms, Idioms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
Related to question: rhetorical question, Questionable Content
ques·tion
(kwĕs′chən)n.
1.
A sentence, phrase, or gesture that seeks information through a reply.
2.
a. A subject or point that is under discussion or open to controversy: the question of whether a new school should be built.
b. A matter of concern or difficulty; a problem: This is not a question of too little money.
3.
a. A proposition brought up for consideration by an assembly.
b. The act of bringing a proposal to vote.
4. Law An issue in dispute for the resolution of a court.
5. Uncertainty; doubt: There is no question about the validity of the enterprise. Her integrity is beyond question.
v. ques·tioned, ques·tion·ing, ques·tions
v.tr.
1.
a. To ask a question or questions of (someone).
b. To interrogate (a suspect, for example). See Synonyms at ask.
2. To pose a question or questions regarding (something); analyze or examine: researchers questioning which of the methods will work.
3. To express doubt about; dispute: questioned his sincerity; questioned the expense report.
v.intr.
Idioms: To ask questions.
in question
Under consideration or discussion.
out of the question
Not worth considering because of being too difficult or impossible: Starting over is out of the question.
[Middle English, from Old French, legal inquiry, from Latin quaestiō, quaestiōn-, from *quaestus, obsolete past participle of quaerere, to ask, seek.]
ques′tion·er n.
ques′tion·ing·ly adv.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
question
(ˈkwɛstʃən)n
1. a form of words addressed to a person in order to elicit information or evoke a response; interrogative sentence
2. a point at issue: it's only a question of time until she dies; the question is how long they can keep up the pressure.
3. a difficulty or uncertainty; doubtful point: a question of money; there's no question about it.
4.
a. an act of asking
b. an investigation into some problem or difficulty
5. a motion presented for debate by a deliberative body
6. put the question to require members of a deliberative assembly to vote on a motion presented
7. (Law) law a matter submitted to a court or other tribunal for judicial or quasi-judicial decision
8. (Law) question of fact (in English law) that part of the issue before a court that is decided by the jury
9. (Law) question of law (in English law) that part of the issue before a court that is decided by the judge
10. beg the question
a. to avoid giving a direct answer by posing another question
b. to assume the truth of that which is intended to be proved. See petitio principii
11. beyond (all) question beyond (any) dispute or doubt
12. call in into question
a. to make (something) the subject of disagreement
b. to cast doubt upon the validity, truth, etc, of (something)
13. in question under discussion: this is the man in question.
14. out of the question beyond consideration; unthinkable or impossible: the marriage is out of the question.
15. pop the question informal to propose marriage
vb (mainly tr)
16. to put a question or questions to (a person); interrogate
17. to make (something) the subject of dispute or disagreement
18. to express uncertainty about the validity, truth, etc, of (something); doubt
[C13: via Old French from Latin quaestiō, from quaerere to seek]
ˈquestioner n
Usage: The question whether should be used rather than the question of whether or the question as to whether: this leaves open the question whether he acted correctly
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
ques•tion
(ˈkwɛs tʃən)n.
1. a sentence in an interrogative form addressed to someone in order to get information in reply.
2. a problem for discussion or under discussion; a matter for investigation.
3. a matter of some uncertainty or difficulty; problem: It was mainly a question of time.
4. a subject of dispute or controversy.
5. a proposal to be debated or voted on, as in a meeting or a deliberative assembly.
6. the procedure of putting a proposal to vote.
7. Law.
a. a controversy that is submitted to a judicial tribunal for decision.
b. the interrogation by which information is secured.
8. the act of asking or inquiring; interrogation; query.
9. inquiry into or discussion of some problem.
v.t. 10. to ask questions of; interrogate.
11. to ask; inquire.
12. to make a question of; doubt: They questioned our sincerity.
13. to challenge; dispute.
v.i. 14. to ask a question.
Idioms: 1. call in or into question,
a. to dispute; challenge.
b. to cast doubt upon; question.
2. in question,
a. under consideration.
b. in dispute.
3. out of the question, not to be considered; unthinkable; impossible.
[1250–1300; (n.) Middle English questio(u)n, questiun < Middle French question < Latin quaestiō=quaes-, s. of quaerere to ask]
ques′tion•er, n.
usage.: See beg.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
question
1. 'out of the question'
If you say that something is out of the question, you mean that it cannot be done, and is therefore not worth considering.
She knew that a holiday this year was out of the question.
It has been so cold that gardening has been out of the question.
2. 'beyond question'
You do not use 'out of the question' to say that there is no doubt about something. The expression you use is beyond question.
She knew beyond question that I was a person who could be trusted.
It remains, beyond question, one of the premier races in the international calendar.
Collins COBUILD English Usage © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 2004, 2011, 2012
question
Past participle: questioned
Gerund: questioning
Imperative |
---|
question |
question |
Collins English Verb Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2011
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Switch to new thesaurus
Noun | 1. | ![]() inquiring, questioning - a request for information answer - the speech act of replying to a question |
2. | question - the subject matter at issue; "the question of disease merits serious discussion"; "under the head of minor Roman poets" subject, theme, topic - the subject matter of a conversation or discussion; "he didn't want to discuss that subject"; "it was a very sensitive topic"; "his letters were always on the theme of love" problem - a question raised for consideration or solution; "our homework consisted of ten problems to solve" matter of fact, question of fact - a disputed factual contention that is generally left for a jury to decide matter of law, question of law - a disputed legal contention that is generally left for a judge to decide | |
3. | ![]() sentence - a string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language; "he always spoke in grammatical sentences" cross-question - a question asked in cross-examination leading question - a question phrased in such a way as to suggest the desired answer; a lawyer may ask leading questions on cross-examination yes-no question - a question that can be answered by yes or no | |
4. | question - uncertainty about the truth or factuality or existence of something; "the dubiousness of his claim"; "there is no question about the validity of the enterprise" uncertainness, uncertainty, precariousness - being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance; "the uncertainty of the outcome"; "the precariousness of his income" | |
5. | question - a formal proposal for action made to a deliberative assembly for discussion and vote; "he made a motion to adjourn"; "she called for the question" proposal - something proposed (such as a plan or assumption) | |
6. | question - an informal reference to a marriage proposal; "he was ready to pop the question" | |
Verb | 1. | question - challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of; "We must question your judgment in this matter" challenge - issue a challenge to; "Fischer challenged Spassky to a match" |
2. | question - pose a series of questions to; "The suspect was questioned by the police"; "We questioned the survivor about the details of the explosion" ask - address a question to and expect an answer from; "Ask your teacher about trigonometry"; "The children asked me about their dead grandmother" | |
3. | question - pose a question wonder, inquire, enquire - have a wish or desire to know something; "He wondered who had built this beautiful church" interpellate - question formally about policy or government business examine - question closely pump - question persistently; "She pumped the witnesses for information" feel out, sound out, check out - try to learn someone's opinions and intentions; "I have to sound out the new professor" debrief - put someone through a debriefing and make him report; "The released hostages were debriefed" ask - address a question to and expect an answer from; "Ask your teacher about trigonometry"; "The children asked me about their dead grandmother" | |
4. | question - conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting | |
5. | question - place in doubt or express doubtful speculation; "I wonder whether this was the right thing to do"; "she wondered whether it would snow tonight" meditate, mull, mull over, muse, ponder, chew over, think over, excogitate, reflect, ruminate, speculate, contemplate - reflect deeply on a subject; "I mulled over the events of the afternoon"; "philosophers have speculated on the question of God for thousands of years"; "The scientist must stop to observe and start to excogitate" scruple - have doubts about |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
question
noun
1. inquiry, enquiry, query, investigation, examination, interrogation He refused to answer further questions on the subject.
inquiry answer, reply
inquiry answer, reply
2. difficulty, problem, doubt, debate, argument, dispute, controversy, confusion, uncertainty, query, contention, misgiving, can of worms (informal), dubiety There's no question about their success.
verb
1. interrogate, cross-examine, interview, examine, investigate, pump (informal), probe, grill (informal), quiz, ask questions, sound out, catechize A man is being questioned by police.
2. dispute, challenge, doubt, suspect, oppose, query, distrust, mistrust, call into question, disbelieve, impugn, cast aspersions on, cast doubt upon, controvert It never occurs to them to question the doctor's decisions.
dispute believe, accept, buy (slang), swallow (informal), take on board, take on trust
dispute believe, accept, buy (slang), swallow (informal), take on board, take on trust
beyond question
3. certain, undeniable, indisputable, clear, obvious, patent, manifest, without doubt, undoubted, palpable, beyond doubt, irrefutable, unquestionable, incontrovertible, incontestable, indubitable That the pair can write is beyond question.
4. irrefutably, undeniably, beyond doubt, indisputably, clearly, undoubtedly, without doubt, unquestionably, incontrovertibly, incontestably Witnesses prove beyond question that contact was made.
in question under discussion, at issue, under consideration, in doubt, on the agenda, to be discussed, for debate, open to debate The film in question detailed allegations about party corruption.
out of the question impossible, unthinkable, inconceivable, not on (informal), hopeless, unimaginable, unworkable, unattainable, unobtainable, not feasible, impracticable, unachievable, unrealizable, not worth considering, not to be thought of Is a tax increase still out of the question?
pop the question propose, offer marriage He got serious quickly and popped the question six months later.
without question undoubtedly, definitely, undeniably, surely, of course, certainly, doubtless, unquestionably, beyond question, beyond a shadow of (a) doubt He was our greatest storyteller, without question.
Proverbs
"Ask a silly question and you get a silly answer"
"Ask no questions and hear no lies"
"Ask a silly question and you get a silly answer"
"Ask no questions and hear no lies"
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
question
noun1. A request for data:
Law: interrogatory.
2. A situation that presents difficulty, uncertainty, or perplexity:
Informal: can of worms.
3. A lack of conviction or certainty:
The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
TranslationsSelect a language:
Spanish / Español
question
[ˈkwestʃən]A. N
1. (= query) (also in exam) → pregunta f
(are there) any questions? → ¿(hay) alguna pregunta?
to ask (sb) a question → hacer una pregunta (a algn)
ask yourself this question → hágase esta pregunta
what a question to ask! → ¡vaya preguntita!
there's a reward for the painting's return, no questions asked → se ofrece una recompensa sin preguntas por la devolución del cuadro
ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies → más vale que no me preguntes
"why didn't you appoint him a year ago?" - "good question" → -¿por qué no lo nombraste hace un año? -buena pregunta or -eso me pregunto yo
he posed three questions → hizo or planteó tres preguntas
to put a question to sb (frm) → hacer una pregunta a algn
to put down a question to or for sb (Parl) → formular una pregunta a algn
to obey orders without question → obedecer órdenes sin rechistar
the 64,000 dollar question → la pregunta del millón
see also leading B
see also open A10, A11
see also personal A4
see also pop C2
see also trick C
(are there) any questions? → ¿(hay) alguna pregunta?
to ask (sb) a question → hacer una pregunta (a algn)
ask yourself this question → hágase esta pregunta
what a question to ask! → ¡vaya preguntita!
there's a reward for the painting's return, no questions asked → se ofrece una recompensa sin preguntas por la devolución del cuadro
ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies → más vale que no me preguntes
"why didn't you appoint him a year ago?" - "good question" → -¿por qué no lo nombraste hace un año? -buena pregunta or -eso me pregunto yo
he posed three questions → hizo or planteó tres preguntas
to put a question to sb (frm) → hacer una pregunta a algn
to put down a question to or for sb (Parl) → formular una pregunta a algn
to obey orders without question → obedecer órdenes sin rechistar
the 64,000 dollar question → la pregunta del millón
see also leading B
see also open A10, A11
see also personal A4
see also pop C2
see also trick C
2. (= matter, issue) → cuestión f
the Palestinian question → la cuestión palestina
that is the question → de eso se trata, esa es la cuestión
that is not the question → no se trata de eso, no es cuestión de eso
at the time in question → a la hora en cuestión
it is not simply a question of money → no se trata simplemente de dinero, no es una simple cuestión de dinero
this raises the question of her suitability → esto plantea la cuestión de si es la persona adecuada
it's only a question of time before he finds out → sólo es cuestión de tiempo que se entere
see also beg A1
the Palestinian question → la cuestión palestina
that is the question → de eso se trata, esa es la cuestión
that is not the question → no se trata de eso, no es cuestión de eso
at the time in question → a la hora en cuestión
it is not simply a question of money → no se trata simplemente de dinero, no es una simple cuestión de dinero
this raises the question of her suitability → esto plantea la cuestión de si es la persona adecuada
it's only a question of time before he finds out → sólo es cuestión de tiempo que se entere
see also beg A1
3. (= possibility) → posibilidad f
there is no question of outside help → no hay posibilidad de ayuda externa
there can be no question of your resigning → su dimisión no se puede admitir
it's out of the question! → ¡imposible!, ¡ni hablar!
an interest rate cut is out of the question → un recorte de los tipos de interés es imposible
there is no question of outside help → no hay posibilidad de ayuda externa
there can be no question of your resigning → su dimisión no se puede admitir
it's out of the question! → ¡imposible!, ¡ni hablar!
an interest rate cut is out of the question → un recorte de los tipos de interés es imposible
4. (= doubt) → duda f
there is no question about it → no cabe la menor duda de esto
as a manager, her ability is beyond question → como directora, su capacidad está fuera de toda duda
to bring or call sth into question → poner algo en duda
my integrity has been brought or called into question → mi integridad se ha puesto en duda
to be in question → estar en duda
your professional ability is not in question → no es tu capacidad como profesional lo que se pone en duda
his findings pose questions about the future of these drugs → sus descubrimientos hacen que se planteen preguntas sobre el futuro de estas drogas
this disaster raises questions about air safety in the region → con el desastre se ha puesto en duda la seguridad aérea en la zona
the question remains (as to) whether he can be trusted → la duda or la cuestión sigue siendo si se puede confiar en él
the question remains: how did she escape? → la pregunta sigue ahí: ¿cómo escapó?
there is some question as to whether he will sign → hay or existen ciertas dudas sobre si firmará
without question → sin duda, indudablemente
there is no question about it → no cabe la menor duda de esto
as a manager, her ability is beyond question → como directora, su capacidad está fuera de toda duda
to bring or call sth into question → poner algo en duda
my integrity has been brought or called into question → mi integridad se ha puesto en duda
to be in question → estar en duda
your professional ability is not in question → no es tu capacidad como profesional lo que se pone en duda
his findings pose questions about the future of these drugs → sus descubrimientos hacen que se planteen preguntas sobre el futuro de estas drogas
this disaster raises questions about air safety in the region → con el desastre se ha puesto en duda la seguridad aérea en la zona
the question remains (as to) whether he can be trusted → la duda or la cuestión sigue siendo si se puede confiar en él
the question remains: how did she escape? → la pregunta sigue ahí: ¿cómo escapó?
there is some question as to whether he will sign → hay or existen ciertas dudas sobre si firmará
without question → sin duda, indudablemente
B. VT
1. (= interrogate) [+ exam candidate, interviewee] → hacer preguntas a; [+ suspect] → interrogar (Parl) [+ minister, secretary] → interpelar
you will be questioned on one of three topics → se te harán preguntas sobre uno de tres temas
a suspect is being questioned by police → la policía está interrogando a un sospechoso
they questioned him about his past → le hicieron preguntas or le preguntaron acerca de su pasado
the minister was questioned about his statement to Parliament → se interpeló al ministro sobre su declaración ante el Parlamento
you will be questioned on one of three topics → se te harán preguntas sobre uno de tres temas
a suspect is being questioned by police → la policía está interrogando a un sospechoso
they questioned him about his past → le hicieron preguntas or le preguntaron acerca de su pasado
the minister was questioned about his statement to Parliament → se interpeló al ministro sobre su declaración ante el Parlamento
2. (= doubt) [+ honesty, loyalty, motives] → dudar de, poner en duda; [+ decision, beliefs] → poner en duda, cuestionar
C. CPD question mark N (lit) → signo m de interrogación (fig) → interrogante m or f
a big question mark hangs over his future → se plantea un enorme interrogante sobre su futuro
question master N → interrogador m
question tag N → coletilla f interrogativa
question time N (Brit) (Parl) → sesión f de interpelaciones a los ministros
a big question mark hangs over his future → se plantea un enorme interrogante sobre su futuro
question master N → interrogador m
question tag N → coletilla f interrogativa
question time N (Brit) (Parl) → sesión f de interpelaciones a los ministros
Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
question
(ˈkwestʃən) noun1. something which is said, written etc which asks for an answer from someone. The question is, do we really need a computer?pregunta
2. a problem or matter for discussion. There is the question of how much to pay him.cuestión, problema
3. a single problem in a test or examination. We had to answer four questions in three hours.pregunta, problema
4. criticism; doubt; discussion. He is, without question, the best man for the job.duda
5. a suggestion or possibility. There is no question of our dismissing him.posibilidad
verb1. to ask (a person) questions. I'll question him about what he was doing last night.interrogar
2. to regard as doubtful. He questioned her right to use the money.cuestionar, poner en duda
ˈquestionable adjective1. doubtful; uncertain. cuestionable, discutible
2. probably not true, honest, respectable. questionable behaviour.dudoso
ˈquestionably adverb de manera cuestionable/discutible/dudosa
ˈquestionableness noun carácter cuestionable/discutible/dudoso
question mark a mark (?) used in writing to indicate a question. signo de interrogación; interrogante
ˈquestion-master noun a person who asks the questions in eg a quiz. presentador de un concurso
ˌquestionˈnaire (-ˈneə) noun a written list of questions to be answered by a large number of people to provide information for a survey or report. cuestionario
in question being talked about. The matter in question can be left till next week.en cuestión
out of the question not to be thought of as possible; not to be done. It is quite out of the question for you to go out tonight.imposible; ni hablar
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
question
→ pregunta , preguntarMultilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
question
n. pregunta; cuestión, problema;
v. interrogar, preguntar.
English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012