question: Meaning and Definition of

ques•tion

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