question

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   uncertainty about the truth, factuality, or existence of something

   There is a big question over where I'll be in five years.

2. 2
   noun

   the subject matter at issue

   The question of disease merits serious discussion.

3. 3
   noun

   a reference to a marriage proposal

   Where were you when your spouse popped the question?

4. 4
   noun

   a formal proposal for action made to a deliberative assembly for discussion and vote

   I posed the question of whether we should fund the neighbouring park.

5. 5
   noun

   an instance of questioning

   There was a question about my training.

6. 6
   noun

   a sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply

   The officer asked a direct question.

7. 7
   verb

   to pose a question

   I questioned: what makes the sky so blue?

8. 8
   verb

   to pose a series of questions to

   The police questioned the subject.

Etymology

From Middle English questioun, from Anglo-Norman questiun, from Old French question, from Latin quaestiōnem, accusative of quaestiō (“a seeking, investigation, inquiry, question”), from quaerere (“to seek, ask, inquire”), of uncertain origin, but possibly from Proto-Italic *kʷaizeō, from Proto-Indo-European *kʷeh₂- (“to acquire”). Partially displaced native Old English āscung. Compare also Middle Low German quēstie (“questioning; inquiry”), Middle High German questje (“question”). Cognates include English quest.