Definition of: question

(kwes′chən) noun
1. An interrogative sentence calling for an answer; an inquiry.
2. A subject of inquiry or debate; a matter to be decided; a point at issue; problem.
3. A subject of dispute; a controversy; difference: A question rose about it.
4. A proposition under discussion in a deliberative assembly.
5. Objection raised or entertained; doubt: a statement accepted without question.
6. Interrogation: the act of asking or inquiring.
—v.t.
1. To put a question or questions to; interrogate.
2. To be uncertain of; doubt.
3. To make objection to; challenge; dispute.
—v.i.
4. To ask a question or questions. [<AF questiun <L quaestio, -onis <quaerere ask]
—ques′tion·er noun Synonyms (noun): doubt, inquiry, inquisition, interrogation, interrogatory, investigation, query. An inquiry seeks information for the benefit of the inquirer; a question may do the same, or may have the intent to perplex, confuse, or entrap the one of whom it is asked; one makes inquiry as to his way; we speak of idle or frivolous questions rather than of idle or frivolous inquiries. A query is a question more or less vaguely formulated and indefinite in purpose, often amounting to no more than a suspense of judgment. An interrogation or interrogatory is a formal inquiry. Interrogatory has a special legal use, denoting an inquiry in writing by order of a court, to be answered under oath. An investigation is an elaborate search for truth or fact, not only by questions, but by every other means of procuring information; an inquisition is an investigation which is either unwarranted, unduly minute, or in some other way offensive. See DOUBT, INQUIRY, TOPIC. Synonyms (verb): ask, challenge, dispute, doubt, inquire, interrogate, investigate, query, quiz. To ask is to seek information, favor, or aid; inquire, question, interrogate, respect only the obtaining of information. To interrogate is to examine formally or officially, commonly by a series of questions. One may inquire casually and indifferently; he questions intently and resolutely. Question also has nearly the meaning of challenge; as, “I question that statement.” See INQUIRE.