query

[kweer-ee]

noun

plural

queries 

1. a question; an inquiry.

2. mental reservation; doubt.

3. Printing.,  a question mark (?), especially as added on a manuscript, proof sheet, or the like, indicating doubt as to some point in the text.

4. an inquiry from a writer to an editor of a magazine, newspaper, etc., regarding the acceptability of or interest in an idea for an article, news story, or the like: usually presented in the form of a letter that outlines or describes the projected piece.

verb (used with object)

queried, querying 

1. to ask or inquire about.

   No one queried his presence.

2. to question as doubtful or obscure.

   to query a statement.

3. Printing.,  to mark (a manuscript, proof sheet, etc.) with a query.

4. to ask questions of.

query

/ ˈkwɪərɪ /

noun

1. a question, esp one expressing doubt, uncertainty, or an objection

2. a less common name for question mark

verb

1. to express uncertainty, doubt, or an objection concerning (something)

2. to express as a query

   "What's up now?" she queried

3. to put a question to (a person); ask

Other Word Forms

• queryingly adverb
• outquery verb (used with object)
• unqueried adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of query¹

First recorded in 1625–35; alteration (with the influence of -y ³ ) of earlier quere, from Latin quaere quaere

Word History and Origins

Origin of query¹

C17: from earlier quere, from Latin quaere ask!, from quaerere to seek, inquire

Example Sentences

Contacted by the BBC, police spokesman Michael Muchiri referred queries to the DCI, but added that it had previously addressed "the complexities of that matter", and was "on track to resolving it."

From BBC

"Some were querying 'have we reached peak Greggs?' and we have gone out...to demonstrate that this is not the case," the food retail boss said.

From BBC

Ms McCorry admitted that can be a difficult and frustrating query.

From BBC

"Mr Law's entry into and presence in the country would not be in Singapore's national interests," said the ministry's spokesman in response to queries from the BBC.

From BBC

"It's just frankly not good enough," he said, adding that the department and the pension scheme needed to "get to grips" with the problems and accelerate resolving some of the queries.

From BBC

Related Words

• inquiry 
• objection 
• question 
• questioning 
• reservation 
• skepticism