questioning

[ kwes-chuh-ning ]

adjective

1. indicating or implying a question:

   a questioning tone in her voice.

2. characterized by or indicating intellectual curiosity; inquiring:

   an alert and questioning mind.

noun

1. an inquiry or interrogation.

questioning

/ ˈkwɛstʃənɪŋ /

adjective

1. proceeding from or characterized by a feeling of doubt or uncertainty
2. enthusiastic or eager for philosophical or other investigations; intellectually stimulated

   an alert and questioning mind

Derived Forms

• ˈquestioningly, adverb

Other Word Forms

• question·ing·ly adverb
• half-question·ing adjective
• half-question·ing·ly adverb
• un·question·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of questioning¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; question + -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The Court did so even though the plaintiffs were not questioning their detention — the animating force behind habeas petitions — and were instead objecting to their looming deportation.

From Salon

The clash of perspective enlivens the drama by clarifying the thematic questioning holding “Cordially” together — how can human beings process the scale of destruction around them without succumbing to feelings of futility.

From Los Angeles Times

In the past week, Israeli military reservists and veterans have signed several open letters condemning the ongoing war and questioning its priorities.

From BBC

I often have strong opinions about where we should go and how, and he thinks my questioning him represents a lack of trust or that he can’t handle the task at hand.

From Los Angeles Times

Rolling Stone reports that virtually everyone in the White House finds him irritating, some even questioning if he's high.

From Salon

Related Words

• examination