question

/ˈkwɛs.tʃən/
nounBeginner
formalinformal

A sentence, phrase, or expression used to ask for information or clarification.

She asked a question about the project timeline.

He raised a question during the meeting.

💡

Can be direct (asking someone) or indirect (posing a thought).

⚖️Law💼Business
formal

A point or matter that is in dispute or requires resolution.

The question of liability remains unresolved.

The central question in the case is intent.

💡

Often used in legal or formal contexts.

Collocations

ask a questionto inquire about somethingraise a questionto bring up a doubt or issueanswer a questionto respond to an inquiry

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

without questionphrase
undoubtedly
question markphrase
the punctuation mark (?)

💡Pro Tip

Direct vs. Indirect Questions

Direct questions begin with a question word (who, what, where) or an auxiliary verb (do, can). Indirect questions are embedded in statements (e.g., 'I wonder if you can help').

Gold Rule

Question Formation

In English, questions often invert the subject and auxiliary verb (e.g., 'Are you coming?').

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'question' (13th century), from Latin 'quaestio' (investigation, legal inquiry), from 'quaerere' (to seek).

📝Usage Notes

In formal contexts, 'question' can imply a formal inquiry or dispute. In everyday use, it simply refers to asking for information.

Word Breakdown

quest
seek
root
+
-ion
action or state
suffix
English Dictionary