questioning

American  

[kwes-chuh-ning] / ˈkwɛs tʃə nɪŋ /

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.

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noun

1. an inquiry or interrogation.

questioning British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• half-questioning adjective
• half-questioningly adverb
• questioningly adverb
• unquestioning adjective

Etymology

Origin of questioning

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

Example Sentences

“When I was doing all the research, I started questioning my own upbringing,” She said.

From Salon

Without staging a home, you might make some potential purchasers skittish because they can only see the place as it appears, questioning whether they’d want to live there.

From MarketWatch

“On the other hand, if you are in a fiduciary role and your siblings are questioning your actions, transparency and honesty are the best responses.”

From MarketWatch

Experts say Chinese people are increasingly questioning the value of traditionally prized degrees from elite universities in an oversaturated market.

From Barron's

They were questioning the bird owners and taking names.

From BBC

Related Words

• examination