question: Meaning and Definition of
ques•tion
Pronunciation: (kwes'chun), [key]
— n.
- a sentence in an interrogative form, addressed to someone in order to get information in reply.
- a problem for discussion or under discussion; a matter for investigation.
- a matter of some uncertainty or difficulty; problem (usually fol. by of&hasp;): It was simply a question of time.
- a subject of dispute or controversy.
- a proposal to be debated or voted on, as in a meeting or a deliberative assembly.
- the procedure of putting a proposal to vote.
- a problem of public policy submitted to the voters for an expression of opinion.
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- a controversy that is submitted to a judicial tribunal or administrative agency for decision.
- the interrogation by which information is secured.
- Obs.judicial examination or trial.
- the act of asking or inquiring; interrogation; query.
- inquiry into or discussion of some problem or doubtful matter.
- See(def. 9).
- beyond dispute; without doubt: It was, beyond question, a magnificent performance.
- or This report calls into question all previous research on the subject.
- to dispute; challenge.
- to cast doubt upon; question:This report calls into question all previous research on the subject.
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- under consideration.
- in dispute.
- not to be considered; unthinkable; impossible: She thought about a trip to Spain but dismissed it as out of the question.
—v.t.
- to ask (someone) a question; ask questions of; interrogate.
- to ask or inquire.
- to make a question of; doubt: He questioned her sincerity.
- to challenge or dispute: She questioned the judge's authority in the case.
—v.i.
- to ask a question or questions.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.