leading question

[ lee-ding ]

noun

1. a question so worded as to suggest the proper or desired answer.

leading question

/ ˈliːdɪŋ /

noun

1. a question phrased in a manner that tends to suggest the desired answer, such as What do you think of the horrible effects of pollution?

leading question

1. An unfair question that is designed to guide the respondent: “You were drunk the night of the accident, weren't you, Mr. Norris?”

Word History and Origins

Origin of leading question¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Idioms and Phrases

A question worded so as to elicit particular information or a particular answer, as in When are you selling the business? This example assumes that the person is going to sell the business, an action that may not have been established or revealed. This expression originated with a specific meaning in law, that is, “a question that guides a witness toward a desired answer.” In court, this practice is called leading a witness and is forbidden. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

The National Right to Life Committee, for example, asks the leading question “Is Abortion Safe?”

From The Daily Beast

What induced you to put such a leading question to the woman, assuming the boy was at home and in bed?

From Project Gutenberg

She had not intended to propound this leading question so quickly, but it came out as a natural climax to the situation.

From Project Gutenberg

The constitutional amendment, the state of the country, and the condition of commerce makes this the leading question of the day.

From Project Gutenberg

The chief merit of the leading question lies in the fact that it paves the way for the answer.

From Project Gutenberg

The challenging question and the leading question are closely enough allied that we may well discuss them together.

From Project Gutenberg