/ ˈkwestʃən; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ C ] a sentence, phrase or word that asks for information :
to ask / answer a question
Question 3 was very difficult.
In the exam there's sure to be a question on energy.
The question is, how much are they going to pay you?
( formal )
The question arises as to whether or not he knew of the situation.
The key question of what caused the leak remains unanswered.
( formal )
He put a question to the minister about the recent reforms.
I hope the police don't ask any awkward questions .
In an interview try to ask open questions that don't just need 'Yes' or 'No' as an answer.
2.
[ C ] question (of sth) a matter or topic that needs to be discussed or dealt with :
Let's look at the question of security.
The question which needs to be addressed is one of funding.
Which route is better remains an open question (= it is not decided) .
3.
[ U ] doubt or confusion about sth :
Her honesty is beyond question .
His suitability for the job is open to question .
Her version of events was accepted without question .
•
IDIOMS
- bring / throw sth into question
- come into question
- good question!
- in question
- just / merely / only a question of (sth / doing sth)
- out of the question
- there is / was no question of (sth happening / sb doing sth)
—more at beg , call verb , moot adjective , pop verb
■ verb
1.
[ vn ] question sb (about / on sth) to ask sb questions about sth, especially officially :
She was arrested and questioned about the fire.
The students were questioned on the books they had been studying.
Over half of those questioned said they rarely took any exercise.
[also v speech ]
2.
to have or express doubts or suspicions about sth :
[ vn ]
I just accepted what he told me. I never thought to question it.
No one has ever questioned her judgement.
[ v wh- ]
He questioned whether the accident was solely the truck driver's fault.
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French question (noun), questionner (verb), from Latin quaestio(n-) , from quaerere ask, seek.