questioning
KWESS-chuh-ning
/ˈkwes.tʃə.nɪŋ/
Expressing doubt, curiosity, or a desire for clarification.
Reflects a skeptical or seeking facial expression, tone, or overall intellectual stance.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'quaestio' via Old French 'questioner'. It shares the fundamental root 'quaerere' (to seek) with inquisitive and query.
Word relationships
- inquiring: Inquiring stresses desire for knowledge; questioning stresses mild skepticism or need for proof.
- skeptical: Skeptical leans stronger toward disbelief.
- trusting: Accepting without doubt or demand for evidence.
- credulous: Too ready to believe things without question.
Commonly confused with
- inquisitive: Inquisitive describes an overall personality trait; questioning often describes a specific moment, expression, or attitude.
Word family
- question (noun): A sentence worded to elicit information.
- question (verb): To ask questions or express doubt about.
- questioningly (adverb): In a questioning manner.
Collocations
- questioning look
- questioning attitude
- questioning glance
- questioning tone
Example sentences
- "She fixed him with a questioning look when he suddenly changed the topic of conversation." Interpersonal communication
- "A questioning attitude toward accepted dogmas is the cornerstone of scientific progress." Philosophy
Memory hook
To be QUESTIONING is to create a QUEST for truth. A quest for truth.
When not to use
Do not use when describing passive, automatic agreement.
Fun facts
- The question mark (?) originated in medieval manuscripts from the Latin word 'quaestio', abbreviated as 'Qo' stacked vertically.
Related words
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