question

Something you say or write because you want an answer or information.

• Can I ask a question?
• She answered all my questions.
• His first question was about the price.

How to use it: a question about something (I have a question about the homework.)

Similar words: query, inquiry

Opposites: answer

Common phrases: ask a question, answer a question, simple question, question about something

A subject, problem, or choice that people need to think about or discuss.

• The question of cost remains unresolved.
• This raises an important question about fairness.
• They debated several political questions.

How to use it: the question of something (We discussed the question of school funding.)

Similar words: issue, matter, problem, topic

Common phrases: question of something, difficult question, discuss a question, research question

To ask someone for information, often by asking several things.

• The officer questioned the driver.
• They questioned several witnesses about the accident.
• Why are you questioning me again?

How to use it: question someone about something (Police questioned him about the missing car.)

Similar words: ask, interrogate, interview

Common phrases: question a witness, question someone closely, question someone about something

To feel or express doubt about whether something is true, right, or sensible.

• I question his decision.
• She questioned whether the figures were correct.
• Nobody had questioned the truth of his story.

How to use it: question whether… (I question whether this plan will work.)

Similar words: doubt, challenge

Opposites: accept, believe

Common phrases: question a decision, question the truth, question someone's judgment, question someone's motives