| 释义 |
questionn. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French questioun; Latin quaestiōn-, quaestiō. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman questioun, questiun, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French question (French question ) problem or topic which is under discussion or which must be investigated (early 12th cent. in Anglo-Norman), query, inquiry (c1160), debate, dispute, contention, quarrel (13th cent.; now regional), torture (1321) and its etymon classical Latin quaestiōn-, quaestiō act of searching, problem, subject of discussion, (in law) inquiry, examination, interrogation (including torture), (in science, in post-classical Latin also in theology) research, dispute < the stem of quaerere to ask, inquire (see quaere v.) + -tiō -tion suffix. Compare Old Occitan, Occitan question (first half of the 12th cent.), Catalan qüestió (1250), Spanish cuestión (c1250 as questión ), Portuguese questão (14th cent. as questam , questom ), Italian questione (end of the 13th cent.), and also ( < Latin, partly via French) Middle Dutch questie (Dutch kwestie ), Middle High German questje . Compare query n.2With to bring (also put) into question at Phrases 1a compare Middle French, French mettre en question to investigate, examine (a problem) (mid 15th cent. or earlier), to cast doubt upon (1560 or earlier), Middle French, French †mettre à la question to subject (a person) to torture (first half of the 14th cent. or earlier). On the β. forms see discussion of Older Scots initial qu- at Q n. It has been suggested that the Latin word was perhaps borrowed into Old English as cwestion in sense ‘(theological) problem’ (see Dict. Old Eng. s.v.; one isolated attestation in a work title in multiple manuscripts, apparently with Latin case inflection: see quot.), but the sole example probably reflects no more than a misapprehension of the original Latin quaestionum by a scribe with an imperfect understanding of Latin grammar:OE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Corpus Cambr.) v. xxii. 482 Eft on cyninga bec þrittig cwestionem [OE Otho xxx questionem; L. in Regum librum xxx quaestionum]. I. That which is enquired about, discussed, or debated. 1. the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > [noun] the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > putting forward for discussion > [noun] > matter for discussion c1225 (?OE) Homily: Sicut Oves absque Pastore (Worcester F.174) in J. Hall (1920) I. 1 [S]anctus beda..þeo cten [perh. read cnotten] unwreith þe questiuns hoteþ. c1300 Childhood Jesus (Laud) 1687 in C. Horstmann (1875) 1st Ser. 56 (MED) Al aday he desputede with heom With questiones and heom ouercam. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1865) I. 15 (MED) In þe whiche book..wel nyh al problemys and questiouns [L. universa pæne problemata] of þe wiseste men..beeþ i-planted. a1400 (a1325) (Vesp.) 26104 Þar-wit-al sum questiones We sal vndo þe merk resons. c1475 tr. C. de Pisan (Cambr.) (1977) 102 (MED) He purposed firste any question..that he wolde speke of, he wolde fayle no maner of poynte of no wey that longed to his termes. ?1510 T. More tr. G. F. Pico della Mirandola sig. a.iv Some goode simple folk that shuld of zele to ye faith..impugne those questions as new thinges. 1563 N. Winȝet (1888) I. 47 (title) The buke of four scoir thre questions tueching doctrine. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. i. 203 But that is not the question: the question is concerning your marriage. View more context for this quotation 1663 S. Butler i. ii. 108 It was a question, whether He Or's Horse were of a Family More Worshipful. 1768 T. Pownall (ed. 4) p. x This American question..must now come forward. 1854 C. Kingsley (1878) I. 416 This is a question involving the lives of thousands and tens of thousands of human beings. 1879 J. McCarthy II. xxv. 219 The Eastern Question it was that disturbed the dream of peace. 1910 E. M. Forster xi. 94 ‘The question is whether Miss Schlegel, during the fortnight we were all away, whether she unduly—’ He stopped. 1960 20 Mar. 2 There is even talk at the moment of raising the question of Mr. Crossman's expulsion. 1989 29 Apr. a19/5 For them, everything becomes an ethical question, a political question. the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > [noun] > business claiming attention > an occupation or affair > specific kind of c1384 (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Deeds xviii. 15 If questiouns ben of the word and names of ȝoure lawe. ?a1425 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius v. pr. iv. 2 This is..the olde questioun of the purveaunce of God. 1526 Acts xviii. 15 Yf it be a question off wordes or off names or of youre lawe. 1580 in T. G. Law (1901) 63 Concerning the question of..ordour in the kirk, ar your bischops and ye accordit? 1631 B. Jonson Bartholmew Fayre i. iii. 6 in II To brooke the noise made, in a question of Predestination, by the good labourers and painefull eaters. 1675 R. Baxter ii. i. 127 You shall not again tempt me to anticipate the question of effectual Grace. 1701 S. Hill vi. 116 This I think is all that is pertinent in the Doctor, to the Question of Regal Rights and Authorities in the Acts and Offices of Synodical Session, and Presidence. 1789 T. Jefferson Let. 6 Sept. in (1958) XV. 396 It renders the question of reimbursement a question of generosity and not of right. 1812 H. Smith & J. Smith 25 The question of Houses I leave to the jury. 1836 J. Gilbert ix. 382 The recovery of transgressors is not a question of mere power. 1867 E. A. Freeman I. iv. 251 It was a question of time. 1920 D. H. Lawrence vi. 69 It's more a question of hardships than of terrors. 1950 R. Macaulay xxxi. 228 It was now only a question of time; she would recover. 2005 (Midwest ed.) 21 Oct. ii. 2/4 I don't believe in making the choice to adopt out children a question of character. the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > materials of topic > [noun] > of debate or discussion society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > governing or legislative body of a nation or community > procedure of parliament or national assembly > [noun] > proposal to be debated or voted on society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > governing or legislative body of a nation or community > procedure of parliament or national assembly > [noun] > question put to minister society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > governing or legislative body of a nation or community > procedure of parliament or national assembly > [noun] > putting to vote 1549 28 Mar. 1 f.44v In the question it is agreed that the nomber, whyche seid no to the bille, be the greater nomber by one persone. 1559 17 Apr. f. 209v Carnesew declared to the House that Thrower servar to the mr of the Rolls did saye agaynst the state of the house that yf a Bill were brought in for womens wyers in their pastes they wolde dispute yt and go to the question. a1600 (?c1535) tr. H. Boece (Mar Lodge) (1946) 61a Quhen questioun was movit gif it was expedient [etc.]. 1614 13 Apr. 9 27 Mr. Hackwill. That no thing to passe by order of the house without a question & that no order without a question affirmatyve & negatyve & that ordered to be vpon the question. 1678 A. Marvell (new ed.) 24 Whereupon the greater number called for the Question, and had it in the Affirmative, that the Debate should be laid aside. 1772 S. Whyte 148 The general Question of the Day, Shall the Commons meet in May? 1795 tr. K. P. Moritz 57 The house takes upon itself to express its disapprobation; and then there arises a general cry, of the question! the question! 1817 1st Ser. 35 758 Lord Cochrane rose, amidst reiterated cries of question, to state [etc.]. 1844 T. E. May viii. 166 Any member may propose a question, which is called ‘moving the house’, or, more commonly, ‘making a motion’. 1863 H. Cox i. ix. 139 The Speaker,..when it has been seconded, proposes it to the House, and then the House are said to be in possession of the question. 1917 17 Oct. 7/3 The Socialists being dissatisfied with the reply, moved the question of confidence in the Government. 1951 E. Taylor 27 At the end of the debate the Speaker puts the question. He repeats exactly what he said when proposing the question, and adds, ‘As many as are of that opinion say “aye”: as many as are of the contrary opinion say “no”.’ 1997 R. Brazier xi. 182 [In the case of the Finance Bill] the Speaker puts the question without debate so that the Bills can pass all stages formally. the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > impossibility > [adjective] 1607 R. Parker i. i. 34 That [the sign of imposing hands] is effectiuely vsed, is out of the question. 1624 E. Forset 25 This cunning and curious Composer of Bookes, and Contriuer of cases, doth in this his chiefe proposition, worke himself quite out of the question. 1670 T. Blount 189 As to the second Objection, it was Answered and Resolved, That that was from, or out of the Question. 1700 J. Collier 122 His Objection..is out of the Question. 1751 E. Haywood II. xvii. 206 A marriage with miss Betsy was, therefore, now quite out of the question with him. 1815 Baroness Bunsen in A. J. C. Hare (1879) I. iii. 88 To go on describing the different effects..is out of the question. 1878 R. B. Smith 210 The third alternative was no longer open..for retreat was out of the question. 1930 G. B. Shaw i. 17 You cant. You mustnt. Of course not. Out of the question. 1977 A. Ecclestone iv. 76 Anything like an attempt to impose a parochial structure, new or old, was out of the question. 1997 J. Ryan vi. 68 And the yellow and red checkered head scarf Mrs Doyle produced as a possible necktie was, he insisted, out of the question altogether. 2. the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > [noun] society > society and the community > dissent > [noun] > causing dissension > cause or subject of dissension c1384 (Douce 369(2)) (1850) John iii. 25 Sothli a questioun or axyng [L. quaestio] is maad of Johnis disciplis with the Jewis, of the purificacioun. c1385 G. Chaucer 2514 Heer thre, ther ten, holdynge hir questioun, Dyuynynge of thise Thebane knyghtes two. a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) vii. 4148 A question betwen the tuo Thus writen in a bok I fond. c1400 (Bodl.) 189 Ȝif ony techiþ oþereweies and resteþ not to þe holsome wordis of oure Lord Ihesu Crist, he is proude, and noþinge konnynge, but mornynge aboute questiouns and fyȝtinges of wordis. 1484 W. Caxton tr. v. x Telle me your resons and caas..that the better I may gyue the sentence of your dyferent and question. c1485 ( G. Hay (2005) 108 Jt efferis to the Constable to here all questiouns querelis and complayntis of his menȝe. 1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy (1903) II. iii. xxv. 47 Þe samyn place & land Of quhilk now þe questioun occurris [cf. infra for quhilk þe debate occurris]. 1609 W. Shakespeare ii. ii. 17 Since the first sword was drawne about this question . View more context for this quotation 1654 R. Aylett 36 Lo here a question betwixt two, Which none on Earth, but they, do truly know. 1769 ‘Junius’ (1772) II. xxxv. 50 A question of right arises between the constituent and the representative body. 1787 J. Hawkins 464 A question between us and..Spain, touching the pre~discovery, and, consequently, the right of dominion over certain islands in the South seas. 1806 W. Cruise VI. 226 A question arose between the heir at law and the younger children, whether the reversion in fee of the manor of Sewell did pass by the will. 1866 E. C. Gaskell II. xi. 112 There had been rather a question between Miss Browning and Miss Phoebe as to which person the second letter..was to be addressed to. 1900 22 Dec. 7/2 The demarcators failed to agree, and there is now a tremendous question between the two countries as to the lines drawn on the map by their respective experts. 1973 10 Apr. 1/2 I am supposed to say that..it is a question between the Powellites and the Mosleyites..because I am Sir Oswald Mosley's son-in-law. b. Law. society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > [noun] > matter or point in question > concerned with facts 1604 R. Parsons 23 This disputation shall not be like to the others of former tymes, wherin were examined matters of doctrine, & the truth therof... But heere all questions in this disputation, shall be only questions of fact, whether places be truly alleaged, or no. 1704 H. Mackworth 20 As a very Learned Judge observes, this Question of Majority is not a Question of Fact, but a Question of Judgment. 1795 W. Woodfall I. 179 The Lord Chief Justice..said, that there were two questions of fact, and a legal conclusion, if the facts rendered any legal conclusion necessary. 1804 2 Nov. 3/3 There is no doubt the Gentlemen on both sides are agreed on this point of law... It is, then, a mere question of fact, on which you will govern yourselves by the credence you assign to the respective witnesses. 1911 17 Nov. 23/1 Is it a question of fact to be determined by a jury or a question of law to be determined by the courts? 2005 May 10/2 Since the jury decides all questions of fact, no instruction which invades this area should be submitted. 1623 T. Powell 227 The Iudges here are the Chancellor of the Duchy, assisted by his Maiesties Atturney of the Court, and two Iudges of the Common Law, who advise them for matter or question of Law. 1701 42 It was said that the Inconvenience rather than the Illegality of the Grant was then the Subject of the Debate, and that the question of Law was not thoroughly discussed. 1810 9 Nov. 2/3 To ascertain, therefore, the question of law upon the subject,..in justice was that which should precede the trial of the fact. 1900 21 Jan. 1/5 The case has..has been to the Maryland Court of Appeals..four times upon questions of alimony, counsel fees, and many complex questions of law. 1995 B. W. Harvey & F. Meisel v. 145 A preliminary question of law arose before the High Court in England, namely whether English or Italian law should be applied to the issue. II. That which is asked. 3. the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > [noun] > act or instance of c1350 (a1333) William of Shoreham (1902) 158 (MED) Ac her aryst a question: Þo þat adam was broȝt a-doun..Wet gelt hedden hy þat þo nere, Þet hy to deþe ischape were? a1400 (a1325) (Vesp.) 22891 (MED) An crafti clerc..asked him a questiun Of a wolf and a leon. a1425 (a1400) (Galba & Harl.) (1863) 8298 Now may þou ask me..A questyon..‘Salle þai oght think..On þe syns of whilk þai þam schrafe?’ c1450 (?a1400) (Ashm.) 1110 (MED) Enquire me noȝt þat question, for I queth þe it neuer. a1500 in (1933) 164 179 (MED) To all questyons answere þou noght. ?a1525 (c1450) Christ's Burial & Resurrection ii. 1311 in F. J. Furnivall (1896) 215 Ye askit hym..a whestion. 1647 Ded. p. i Publishing a speedyfull and satisfactory answer to these fewe Questions. 1665 R. Boyle iv. xvii. sig. Gg6v Before we could answer that Question, we must ask one of him, which was, what he had been doing. 1708 10–15 Dec. You answer Questions so Numscully. 1776 73/2 If you do not give a plain answer to a plain question, you will be committed. 1869 July 211 Go and put that question to the great armies of Austria. 1890 C. Bowen in 63 735/1 The Director..was justified in objecting to answer the questions put to him. 1937 V. Woolf 3 He had a question to ask; he turned to ask it; but his friends were gone. 1946 G. Hopkins tr. F. Mauriac xiv. 181 Monsieur Puybaraud asked me questions as though I had been an oracle. 1995 17 Mar. 40/1 To enter this exciting giveaway: Write your name and address on a postcard and answer a simple question. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > parlour and party games > [noun] > question and answer games 1599 M. Drayton (new ed.) f. 97 v In Country sports when we our selves wer yong. In pretty Ryddles to bewray our loves, In questions, purpose, or in drawing gloves.] 1628 R. Burton (ed. 3) ii. ii. 255 The ordinary recreations which we haue in Winter..are..riddles, catches, purposes, questions and commands [etc.]. 1648 R. Herrick sig. R6v We'l..spin out the thread of sands, Playing at Questions and Commands. 1673 W. Wycherley ii. ii He is as dull as a country-squire at questions and commands. 1709 R. Steele No. 144. ⁋1 Just as one is chosen King at the game of Questions and Commands. 1731 H. Fielding iii. vii. 54 Unless when we have [kissed] at Questions and Commands. 1802 C. Wilmot (1920) 24 The young people..entertained themselves like children with playing questions and commands, Blind man's bluff, etc. 1827 G. Croly i. 52 A message!—Ay the old shake-hands, The game of questions and commands; A drive to take a morning whet, Then déjeûner à la fourchette. 1952 J. H. Wilson viii. 121 When his visual and tactile senses were sated, the four—with the ladies still draped only in their modesty—fell to playing Questions and Commands. 1658 in H. Paton (1931) 4 That the elders..be diligent in exorting the severall families to familie exercise and getting of the questiones. 1695 in H. Paton (1932) 182 To the Highland boy for learning the questions. 1710 R. Wodrow (M.C.) I. 317 The child is very promising; he is but six years, and he hath the questions very weel. 1768 A. Ross (1938) 182 For he's among our formest scholars here, An' a' the parson's questions has per queer. 1795 R. Burns v. 2 The billy is getting his questions To say at St. Stephens the morn. 1851 W. Anderson 171 The saum, an' the chapter, an' questions were got, An' we screedit them aff like a parrot by rote. 1893 R. L. Stevenson iii. 31 I judged..he would think the better of me if I knew my questions. 1912 J. L. Waugh 36 I was..tell't to get off Effectual Calling without a mistake. Oh, hoo I hated thae ‘Quastins’. 1840 26 Aug. 4/3 The Earl of Haddington put certain questions in the House of Lords to the Marquis of Normandy, now, by evil fortune, the Queen's Secretary of State for the Home Department. 1867 28 Jan. If you put a question in the House of Commons you cannot have a debate. 1876 A. Trollope III. xi. 188 Mr. Slide knew very well what ought to be the next step. Proper notice should be given and a question should be asked in Parliament. 1905 16 May 500 In reply to the Question of the hon. Member for Waterford, I have to ask him to communicate with my right hon. friend. 1956 P. Howarth i. 17 Apart from the procedural reasons, there were also reasons of a political or a constitutional nature why the custom of asking parliamentary questions developed slowly. 1970 C. A. Hughes (1980) 144 In all Parliaments..questions referred to by members as ‘Dorothy Dixers’ are part of the establishment. 1997 A. Barnett vii. 236 The way in which questions are answered in Parliament tends to be something of an art form rather than a means of communication. III. The action of inquiring, asking about, or contesting. 4. the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > interrogation > [noun] c1485 ( G. Hay (2005) 174 He aw nocht tobe stoppit, bot frely to haue passage throu all realmes but questioun. 1600 W. Shakespeare iv. i. 343 Ile stay no longer question . View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) iii. iv. 117 Ross. What sights, my Lord? La. I pray you speake not..Question enrages him. View more context for this quotation 1690 J. Locke ii. ii. §13 One Man..may do..whatever he pleases, without the least question or controll. 1849 M. Arnold Others abide our question. Thou art free. 1874 R. Lowell xviii. 194 What could be said? Remsen, however, was still full of question. 1882 L. S. Bevington 113 What avail the heat of question If there never come replying? society > authority > punishment > torture > [noun] > judicial a1538 A. Abell f. 57v Mony wes tane..& put to pane & questioun to schaw the doaris of that. 1583 Ld. Burghley sig. Bii No one was called to any capitall or bloody question upon matters of religion. 1651 J. Evelyn (1857) I. 275 A malefactor was to have the question, or torture, given to him. 1689 Bp. G. Burnet I. 80 The common Question that they give..is, that they tye the Hands of the suspected Person behind his back [etc.]. 1761 D. Hume III. li. 110 He urged too, that Felton should be put to the question in order to extort from him a discovery of his accomplices. 1802 W. Dunlap tr. H. Zschokke iv. ii. 63 I have come from seeing two of the apprehended citizens put to the question and they behaved like heroes. 1871 W. H. Ainsworth iii. xix Let him be submitted to the question, ordinary and extraordinary. 1901 F. W. Rolfe 162 When the plot was discovered, Tommaso da Forli, a papal chamberlain who had brought the missive, admitted his guilt; (under the Question guilt was commonly admitted). 1933 H. Allen vi. 78 The dark shed seemed like a prison chamber and the smith some black-browed jailer who was about to put him to the question. 1996 F. Allen 2 A Zeitgeist Waiting its turn in the incident room While its predecessor was put to the question, Tied to a chair in what was once a nursery. the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > of course, certainly [phrase] ?1526 M. Roper tr. Erasmus sig. b.iiv Ye onely name of the maker putteth out of question the goodnesse and perfectyon of the worke. 1586 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye I. 200 Out of question we will iudge those men very blind. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. iii. 95 And. Why, would that haue mended my haire? To. Past question . View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. i. 5 The..vnquiet time Did push it out of farther question . View more context for this quotation a1722 J. Toland (1726) II. 6 Socra. Consider any handy-craftsman. Is he not different from the tools..he uses in his works? The thing that cuts from the person that cuts with it? Alcib. Past question. 1776 G. Campbell I. i. x. 261 But beyond all question, the preacher's subject of argument, considered in itself, is infinitely more lofty and more affecting. 1778 F. Burney III. xviii. 207 As to consulting you..it was out of all question. 1817 J. Mill II. v. viii. 684 He is beyond all question the most eminent of the chief rulers. 1880 L. Stephen v. 118 The Dunciad..is beyond all question full of coarse abuse. 1938 E. A. Powell xxvi. 214 Though his bravery was beyond question, he certainly was not a brilliant leader. 1961 J. B. Conant iv. 108 The procedures..are not easy and there is considerable question as to their value. 1989 A. Storr iii. 28 Various details of the Oedipal theory are open to question, but the general outline stands as powerfully explanatory of a variety of sexual difficulties. Phrases P1. a. to bring (also put) into question and variants. See also to call in question at call v. Phrases 3c.the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > doubt, be uncertain [verb (intransitive)] > call in question 1390 in J. Raine (1841) 65 That yhour richte be na mare putt in questioun. 1567 G. Fenton tr. M. Bandello viii. sig. Sv Open and publike cacquet in the streetes, whiche bringes their honour in question. 1676 J. Glanvill vi. 13 Thus the Sagess, and grandeur of the Prince of Darkness need not be brought in question on this Occasion. 1683 J. Dryden Life Plutarch 28 in J. Dryden et al. tr. Plutarch I The Pyrrhonians..who bring all certainty in question. 1779 J. Burgoyne (ed. 3) 7 A court etiquette was invented..viz. that the persons whose conduct was so put in question, should not appear at Court pending the enquiry. 1824 J. Marshall (1839) 311 We cannot perceive how the occupation of these vessels can be drawn into question. 1922 J. J. Sudborough (new ed.) Introd. 16 Within the past few years the divalency of the oxygen atom in many organic compounds has been brought into question. 1991 Winter 3/1 In deconstruction textual meaning is not attacked; rather, the notion of a fixed meaning is put into question, so that critical authority passes..to the reader. a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) i. 1013 (MED) He put hem into questioun. 1590 Visitation Diocese Chester in (1875) V. 12 Bringing vs in question at the assises and sessions, for these matters of inconformitie. 1607 II. (1816) ii. 46 Trueth herselfe if shee were brought in question Could never answer every false suggestion. 1664 34 This is our suit (my Lord) that he be tane And brought in question for his heresie. 1725 E. F. Haywood 250 His Character was such, as cou'd give no one leave to imagine he cou'd be guilty of a Baseness, such as he was call'd in question for. 1788 A. McGillvray Let. 28 Dec. in J. W. Caughey (1938) 213 The Kings Commanding officer at Mobile has never in any one Instance had occasion to Call him into question on that account. 1855 H. W. Herbert xx. 243 Obtained a promise of protection for her husband, in case he should be brought in question for his share in his brother's escape. 1895 S. R. Crockett xxiv. 179 The townsfolk stood about, but not too near..lest they should be called in question for compliance with the deed,..for the King's scoop-net gathered wide. 1998 L. Huffer 27 How does the first person account for and think the second person who would hear her, draw her up short, put her into question? the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > doubt, be uncertain [verb (intransitive)] > call in question the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > be certain [verb (intransitive)] 1447 O. Bokenham (Arun.) (1938) 30 If be ‘what’ or ‘why’ Be questyounn maad of thys tretyhs..As for the fyrste..Certeyn the auctour was an austyn frere. 1489 (a1380) J. Barbour (Adv.) i. 249 Than mays clerkis questioun..Quhether he his lordis neid suld let. 1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart I. 592 Qvestyon was made therof before the marshalles. 1583 W. Fulke Pref. 5 We make no question but that it is Apostolical. 1600 W. Shakespeare i. i. 184 I no question make To haue it. 1638 R. Baker tr. J. L. G. de Balzac II. 102 Let us..never make question whether wee ought to call them infirmities of age, or fruits of reason. 1711 J. Addison No. 59. ¶3 I make no Question but it would have been looked upon as one of the most valuable Treasuries of the Greek Tongue. 1724 D. Defoe 40 He..kiss'd me so vehemently, that I made no question but he intended to do every thing else that Amy had talk'd of. 1816 J. Austen I. ix. 156 I cannot make a question..about that. It is a certainty. View more context for this quotation 1845 W. J. Linton 4 He had (and some make question whether 'Twas done of grace or despotism) Taken advantage of a schism. 1930 C. E. Russell xix. 264 As to personal traits, we can make no question that he had in reserve a notable obstinacy. 2006 (Nexis) 19 July (Local section) 1 b The priority in my life is my mother. Make no question about it. I will be home with my mother, regardless. a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in (1557) 47/1 Yf the Crowne happen..to comme in questyon. 1565 J. Jewel (1611) 324 How could these so doubtfull matters euer haue fallen in question amongst your fellowes. 1589 W. Warner (new ed.) vi. xxx Few will judge, I winne, If it shall come in question, that to cockhole [1612 cuckhole] him were sinne. 1653 D. Osborne (2002) 103 After dinner wee sitt and talk till Mr B com's in question and then I am gon. 1703 H. Curson 277 But in those Actions where the Freehold or Inheritance do come in question there the Warrantt may be Pleaded. 1817 M. Edgeworth I. xii. 259 Dora's name, a thought of Dora, never came in question between Mr. Connal and me, upon my honour. 1874 W. Stubbs I. i. 7 The succession of masters was too rapid to allow a change of language to come into question among the greater..part of the people. 1904 12 May 2/1 It was calculation..based on balance-of-power considerations, which come into question now. 1994 A. Lintott IX. iii. 57 The evidence here has come under question. 2000 June 76/2 Metcalfe's other deserving case is one Ian McGeechan, whose previous rugby deification was beginning to come into question following four Six Nations defeats. 1773 O. Goldsmith iii. 51 Ask me no questions, and I'll tell you no fibs. 1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian iii, in 2nd Ser. I. 84 If ye'll ask nae questions, I'll tell ye nae lees. 1844 T. C. Haliburton 2nd Ser. II. iv. 62 Let me give you a piece of advice;—Ax me no questions, and I'll tell you no lies. 1900 H. Lawson 135 ‘Where did you buy the steer, father?’ she asked. ‘Ask no questions and hear no lies.’ 1955 W. C. MacDonald xii. 140 Quist smiled. ‘Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies.’ 2003 (Nexis) 8 Nov. (News section) 1 My grandmother's favourite saying was, ‘Ask no questions and you'll hear no lies’ . 1853 T. C. Haliburton II. ii. 48 Give a civil answer to a civil question. 1858 S. A. Hammett xxvii. 285 The Squire there asked me a civil question, and that desarves a civil answer,—at least that's manners where I come from. 1938 M. H. Elliott 548 At good dinners people do not talk shop, but they give people a right, perhaps, to ask a gentleman a civil question and to get a civil answer. 2006 (Nexis) 10 Sept. I kept my cool, pointing out calmly between salvos that I was merely asking a civil question that deserved a civil reply. P2. a. without question. the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > of course, certainly [phrase] tr. Palladius (Duke Humfrey) (1896) xi. 451 (MED) In light smal wyn, withouten questioun, Too sester gipse ynowe is. c1475 tr. A. Chartier (Univ. Coll. Oxf.) (1974) 209 (MED) In the meene tyme the houses ben brent thrugh thaire difficultee and necligence, where yche man withoute question aught te renne as to the fyre to eschue the destruccion of his owne house and purchacing the saluacion of his neyghbours house. a1525 Contempl. Synnaris l. 1551, in W. A. Craigie (1925) II. 241 Schawe will in werk & without questioun Thow sall in hevyne for evir be laureat. 1617 J. Woodall 28 Without question each Surgeons Mate knoweth a Lancet as well as my selfe. 1690 W. Temple Ess. Heroick Virtue iv. 81 in He was without question, a Great and Heroick Genius. 1712 R. Steele No. 284. ⁋1 An unaffected Behaviour is without question a very great Charm. 1756 E. Burke 4 In the State of Nature, without Question, Mankind was subjected to many and great Inconveniences. 1846 Oct. 478/1 The neglect to distinguish between what we know immediately and without question, from what we know medially by proof..is the occasion of great confusion in philosophy. 1951 July 476 The use of the recovery room has without question saved lives. 1991 J. Garreau i. 49 Some of the mall rats without question deal drugs. 1817 3 May 3/1 The cases of ‘Spence’ and ‘Hogg’..are cases that passed without question, as they gave their recognizances when called on, and were never afterwards brought to trial. 1885 J. Ruskin I. vi. 185 [My father] allowed it without question. 1927 F. M. Thrasher iii. xiv. 261 Liquor is often sold to minors without question. 1996 Mar.–Apr. 47/2 The Yemenite Jews,..who have been accepted without question into Israeli society, appear to be almost entirely the descendants of Arab converts. 2001 27 Jan. (TV Mag.) 23/2 (advt.) We will send you a cheque for the full issue price, without question. b. in question. c1475 tr. A. Chartier (Univ. Coll. Oxf.) (1974) 207 We will resemble thaim that seen the fier fast brennynge by thair places and habitacions and ben in questions and debate amonge thaim to knowe who put therynne the fyre and who aught..to put him in deuoire for to skonche it.] a1513 R. Fabyan (1516) I. ccxxxii. f. cliiiiv A longe whyle this fyght stoode in questyon whether partye shulde opteyne victory. 1528 T. More Dialogue Heresyes ii, in 177/2 There was principally in question whither woorshyppyng of ymages..were lawfull or not. 1620 J. Wilkinson (new ed.) 13 It hath beene in question and ambiguity. 1653 tr. J. Stegmann Brevis Disq. in (1708) II. 333 Unless we take that for errant which is in question..Whether the Pope be the infallible Judg of Controversies. 1720 D. Waterland 138 Which is supposing the Thing in Question. 1746 J. Wesley 25 June (1931) II. 69 The best way of deciding the points in question with us is cool and friendly argumentation. 1874 A. Trollope II. iv. 24 As long as a seat was in question the battle should of course be fought to the nail. 1935 M. Anderson II. ii. 74 In all my years on the bench..not once has my decision been in question save in this case. 2002 G. M. Eberhart II. 442/2 The Pleistocene Chinese ape Gigantopithecus undoubtedly exceeded that size; however, since no postcranial bones have been discovered, its true size remains in question. the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > [adverb] the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > [adjective] > subjected to query 1563 in D. H. Fleming 162 That same nycht Barbara Sandelandis wes lychtar of her barne in question. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. i. 34 His Father..had (besides this Gentleman in question) Two other Sonnes. View more context for this quotation 1651 T. Hobbes i. iv. 16 Names, called Negative; which are notes to signifie that a word is not the name of the thing in question. 1746 (Royal Soc.) 44 67 The Eels in sour Paste are the Animalcules in Question. 1775 R. B. Sheridan ii. i He does not think his friend..ever saw the lady in question. 1831 J. Mackintosh II. 96 The very ill-fated man in question was John de la Pole. 1893 H. D. Traill Introd. p. xxxvi Discoveries of a far-reaching..character, have during the period in question been made. 1933 E. A. Powell iv. 57 An ‘eye-witness’ account by the correspondent in question of the bombardment and fall of Antwerp. 1992 8 i. 56/1 The line-drawing of the hourglass in question was already in his library, long ago scanned from an old book. society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > trying or hearing of cause > on trial [phrase] 1579 T. North tr. Plutarch xv. 222 The people..dyd much repent them that they had not condemned Alcibiades,..while his offense was in question before them. 1589 Articles Against Horsey in E. A. Bond (1856) App. iii. 330 John Chapele..was..ymprisoned almost a yeare, in question to have bene executed. 1600 W. Shakespeare i. ii. 60 He that was in question for the rob'ry. View more context for this quotation c. no question. c1450 King Ponthus (Digby) in (1897) 12 22 (MED) Aftre this itt is no question if Sidon and hir ladies made ioy. 1565 J. Jewel i. 48 But if this gentlewomans doubte were..whether it were lawful for any suche one to minister the same [sacrament] vnto his owne mouthe, S. Basil saithe it is no question. 1605 R. Verstegan ii. 25 That our Saxon anceters came out of Germanie..is no question. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) iv. ii. 58 Cade. I am able to endure much. But. No question of that. View more context for this quotation 1877 24 Nov. 452/2 That Knight is a strong player there is no question, but Wilson claims that he is much the strongest. 1916 A. 92 321 There can be no question of the enormous simplification of the field work which such a portable variometer produces. 1976 A. Price (1979) i. ii. 62 They were clever, Parrott and Steyning were. Both devious and ruthless men, no question about that. 1987 J. Klein xvii. 332 Now there is no question that this patient is showing signs of excitement. the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > of course, certainly [phrase] 1594 O. B. 27 We haue set at naught..the poore..whose accusations, no question, are gone vp into heauen. 1621 R. Montagu 273 Alluding, no question, vnto that of the Psalme. a1674 Earl of Clarendon (1676) 260 This no question is his meaning. 1722 D. Defoe 110 There were, no Question, Accounts kept of their Charity. 1825 G. Crabbe Let. 3 Dec. in (1985) ii. 326 This is Truth no Question & prepares the Way for the Doctrines. 1988 G. Swift 135 He would give her his blessing, no question. society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > immunity or exemption from liability > [phrase] > no need to be accountable 1725 54 If the Goods are stoln..and the Reward sufficient, they are convey'd to the place assign'd, where, upon Payment..the Hamper-Cask, &c. is deliver'd, and no Questions asked. 1796 R. Bage II. xxiv. 228 I wish, however, we knew something of his birth, parentage, and education; or are you willing to take him, as they advertize for stolen goods, and no questions asked? 1839 C. Dickens xxxviii. 375 When you die you'll go right slap to Heaven and be asked no questions. 1871 Feb. 11 $1000 reward and no questions asked. 1921 P. G. Wodehouse xxv. 303 Nine out of ten of them had views on Art which would have admitted them to any looney-bin, and no questions asked. 1948 M. Laski ix. 121 Under the old system, I could have had the pair of them and no questions asked. 1989 25 Feb. 25 Gino is ‘Mr Brown from Chicago’ and receives no-questions-asked treatment from all and sundry. Compounds C1. General attributive. 1867 3 Apr. 4/4 Critic's report and reading from the question-box. 1909 4 Aug. 5/6 ‘Question-box’ night is something of a novelty. On these nights Dr. Hill opens the box into which members of his congregation..are at liberty to put written questions an answer to which is desired. 2004 (Nexis) 21 Nov. 15 There was a special session for junior high students. We were allowed to put questions in a question box. One of the questions was ‘Will there be ice cream in heaven?’ 1881 6 May 5/2 Mr. R. Power moved an amendment in favour of raising a debate during the question hour on the adjournment in order to protest against Mr. Dillon's arrest. 1931 23 Sept. 17/1 His question was still unput when the clock was observed to be at 3.45 p.m.—the time at which the question-hour ends: so Mr. Brown had to sit down. 1997 (Nexis) 15 Mar. a7 Sundays at 9 p.m. on C-SPAN: ‘British Politics’, featuring the week's greatest hits from the prime minister's question hour. C2. Objective. 1865 J. H. Browne xxxix. 290 The burglary business! My question-answerer spoke as if it were an entirely legitimate avocation, and no doubts were to be expressed thereof. 1900 20 Jan. 9/2 (advt.) It is also a great question-answerer, or work of reference. 2001 4 Jan. c2 Once novice drivers leave shore, however, no supervisors or question answerers are on hand. 1824 J. Bentham & P. Bingham iv. i. 213 (heading) Fallacies of Confusion, the object of which is, to perplex, when Discussion can no longer be avoided...Question-begging appellatives. 1910 A. Sidgwick vii. 217 Question-begging in the extended sense..occurs just so far as any attempt is made on the part of either disputant to prevent question-raising. 1957 27 Dec. 782/2 He is not above question-begging in the most ingenuous way. 2000 P. Millican in A. Hastings et al. 499/2 It is hard to see any point in an argument for God's existence starting from the apparently question-begging premiss that God has revealed himself as having a certain nature. 1910 A. Sidgwick vii. 217 Question-begging in the extended sense..occurs just so far as any attempt is made on the part of either disputant to prevent question-raising. 1959 25 Sept. 8/4 Curious and question-raising as they are, the megapodes are worth a more serious..programme of research. 1996 20 July a4/2 Equally question-raising is the discussion of the link between social welfare and work. 1824 C. M. Sedgwick I. ix. 271 I have not yet taken lessons enough of these question-asking Yankees, to inquire into that which this lady of mysteries evidently chooses to keep secret. 1884 E. Yates II. vi. 276 Much is said of..their constant question-asking. 1938 179 303 To the same medley of generations in England belong Mr. Richard Aldington's The Crystal World..and Mr. W. H. Auden's question-asking Spain. 1991 W. P. Kinsella i. iii. 52 The question asking, whether it was philosophical, out loud, or direct, eased off. 1905 23 Dec. 7/3 Other opinion has it..that such a phrase as ‘mere esthetics’ is a question-beggar. 1935 A. P. Herbert viii. 229 The chief kind is the Question-beggar, the epithet or phrase which assumes or imputes that the question under discussion has been conclusively answered already. 1997 A. De Jasay i. v. 112 Popper implies that it is hocus-pocus when it is large scale, and scientific when it is piecemeal... But the key word ‘piecemeal’ is nothing but a key question-beggar in this context. 1861 22 June 630/2 The most hostile and captious question that Mr. Disraeli could put to Mr. Gladstone is no ‘interpellatio’ at all, if put according to the true form and routine of Parliamentary question-putting. 1884 E. W. Hamilton 30 July (1972) II. 663 My main points are:..2. Confinement of question-putting to Private Members' nights [etc.]. 1996 A. F. Clark & P. J. R. Millican I. ii. 29 Presumably the interrogator has no more than 21-22 minutes of question-putting to bestow on each of the remote candidates, whose replies are not time-limited. 1903 17 Apr. 11/1 (advt.) The practice in employing the book which every competitor would gain by the forming of the question-answering habit. 1977 Fall 123 The various attempts to process natural language by machine—analysis and synthesis of speech, automatic translation, question-answering,..and the like. 1992 J. Krause in C. Blank I. 753 In the context of ‘technical communication’, man-computer interaction (MCI), e.g., in question answering systems, is quite noteworthy. C4. c1700 in R. Wodrow (1828) II. 54 Having a mind to learn to read, I bought a Question Book. 1889 H. Johnston 141 The laddies were eident at their Question Books. 1993 J. March et al. 749 In 1874, after the International Sunday School Lessons had become almost universally adopted in Protestant churches, Francis Peloubet began a series of question books based on these lessons. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > quiz or panel game > [noun] > one who presides over 1937 13 Nov. 4/1 The ‘mystery’ Question Master conducting quizzes which are broadcast from the Brooklyn Strand is Martin Starr. 1952 3 Oct. 6/2 It has become traditional for the Festival to end..with a Brains Trust. With Gilbert Harding as question-master and..a varied team. 2001 (Nexis) 7 Dec. 18 In the spoof game show, called ‘Mockbusters Christmas Special,’ the question master asked questions entirely about disability. 1904 16 Nov. 10/1 ‘The Honor Roll and Class Banners as Rewards for Good Work’, Miss Josephine Baldwin; question period. 1938 32 76 He [sc. the Prime Minister] may at times find the daily question period (an aspect of the Ontario procedure like the English) embarassing. 1990 (Nexis) 30 May During question period in the provincial legislature, Bourassa said he..was not aware of the specifics. 2003 L. A. Pal & R. K. Weaver i. 8 Opposition politicians in Canada have blame-generating opportunities (notably through a televised Question Period) that have no direct parallel in the United States. the mind > language > linguistics > study of speech sound > speech sound > intonation, pitch, or stress > [noun] > intonation > pitch > rising or falling 1933 L. Bloomfield in S. Saporta & J. R. Bastian (1961) 244/2 Yeah? and Is that so? with a peculiar modification of the question-pitch, have been used as facetious vulgarisms expressing disbelief. 1964 C. C. Fries in D. Abercrombie et al. 244 Formal yes-or-no questions, along with question-pitch. 1647 J. Trapp (Acts viii. 24) All Christ's scholars are questionists, though not question-sick. 1685 J. Jackson et al. II. xiv. sig. 4E4v/2 Don't make him question Sick, as 'tis in 1 Tim. 6.4. 1859 Nov. 815/1 The man in front of me..higgled with the feverish, question-sick clerk about the extra postal charge for advertising. society > communication > writing > written character > punctuation > [noun] > question mark 1862 T. A. Trollope I. xi. 200 Looking at her like a question stop. 1996 85 135/2 Before 1905, the question mark was called a question-stop. 1943 58 18 Special attention is paid to the question tags such as Grab that line, will you? 2001 (Nexis) 29 May What is the question tag to be used for ‘I am a boy’?.. The question tag that is normally used is ‘aren't I’. the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > [noun] > time for asking questions society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > governing or legislative body of a nation or community > procedure of parliament or national assembly > [noun] > question put to minister > time set for 1852 E. C. Gaskell 4 Sept. (1966) 197 (heading) Saty school-room, Question-time. 1891 W. Fraser 381 Colonel Makins, the..Member for Essex..said, ‘They have got it hot this afternoon about a Dissolution.’ I replied, ‘Oh, nonsense!’ This was during ‘Question-time’. 1936 H. Nicolson 3 Dec. (1966) 281 Members crowd in as question-time draws to its end. 2004 19 Nov. i. 5/3 During question time, the prime minister inevitably had to answer pesky inquiries about domestic issues. the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > a part of speech > pronoun > [noun] > other specific types of pronoun 1878 9 33 Then follows the personal pronoun as subject, then the question-word proper, and then the verb. 1924 H. E. Palmer 263 In Direct Questions, the question-words are said to be interrogative; in Indirect Questions, they are said to be conjunctive. 1994 S. Pinker viii. 234 If the basic order of a language is SOV, it will usually have question words at the end of the sentence, and postpositions. Derivatives the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > [adverb] > as a question 1616 H. Ainsworth sig. K1/1 Or question weise thus, should they not be cut off (or restrayned?). 1642 R. Harris 29 If wee follow Chrysostom's sense..and read the words Questionwise, Will hee suffer long? 1955 4 Apr. 7/1 Selecting his audience from among women who are involved in every phase of life, he turned them loose, question-wise, at the effervescent Miss Emerson. 1970 28 Feb. 15/1 Taking of the census was provided for by Congress in 1790, but we do not believe the founding fathers realized it would get so completely out of hand both question-wise and money-wise. 2001 (Nexis) 30 June 14 Obviously it's time for a quick re-think, question-wise. She's not rising to the bait. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2007; most recently modified version published online June 2022). questionv. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly formed within English, by conversion. Etymons: French questionner ; question n. Etymology: Partly < Anglo-Norman and Middle French questionner (French questionner ) to ask questions (c1190 in Old French used transitively, mid 15th cent. used intransitively), to torture (a person) in order to extract confessions (1321; < question question n.), and partly < question n. Compare post-classical Latin questionare to cross-examine, to torture (3rd cent.; frequently from 1309 in British sources), to query, examine (11th cent.), Spanish cuestionar (1495), Italian questionare (a1342). Slightly earlier currency is probably implied by questioning n. Compare earlier question n. the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > interrogation > extract information [verb (intransitive)] the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > hold discussions about, debate [verb (transitive)] > with another the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse [verb (intransitive)] > with someone a1470 T. Malory (Winch. Coll.) 341 This, madam, I woll ye sey and avyse the kynge whan he questyons with you of me. ?1532 T. Paynell tr. Erasmus sig. N.ijv Go nowe and questenne with thy selfe, whether thou haddest leauer stycke styll in these yuels, or elles throwe them away and flee hyther. 1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria i. ii. f. 9 I questioned with hym as concernynge the eleuation of the pole. 1588 R. Greene sig. D3 Dorastus..began to question with her whose daughter she was. 1614 T. Jackson iii. i. §5 Little would it boote vs to question with them about their meaning. 1684 J. Bunyan 193 Therefore he questioned with him about many things; as first, What Country-man he was? View more context for this quotation 1768 H. Brooke III. xiv. 67 I was not far from murmuring and questioning with my God on his putting to such tortures the most guiltless of his creatures. 1825 iii. i. 35 Why, my good brother, as the people will; Speak to them; question with them. 1871 J. Ingelow 165 [He] questioned with her why her tears might be Till she did answer him, all red for shame. 1903 A. Stringer Sappho in Leucadia ii. in (1907) 174 A woman's comrade voice Should question with her softly! Tell me, girl, What happened you? 1946 J. Masefield 5 Then she would subtly question with her son. 2. the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > interrogation > question, interrogate [verb (transitive)] a1470 T. Malory (Winch. Coll.) 341 She was sore questyonde of the kynge and of the quene of Orkeney; And she answerde where sir Gareth was she coude not tell. 1490 W. Caxton tr. xv. 58 Fame..sette herself..with the porters and mynystres for to questyone theym. 1595 H. Chettle sig. I I might from my mouth question him, and he to the hollow of my eare returne answere. 1599 P. Pett sig. C I gan to question him of this intent, And prayd him tell mee to what place he went. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) ii. iv. 60 One of you question yon'd man, If he for gold will giue vs any foode. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1622) i. iii. 128 Her Father..Still questioned me the story of my life. View more context for this quotation 1645 J. Wintrop 2 Miantonimo in his circular travel was questioned at New-Haven concerning these things. 1727 J. Swift Horace Imitated in J. Swift ii. 38 And question me of this and that. 1789 A. Young Jrnl. 26 July in (1792) i. 145 I was questioned for not having a cockade of the tiers etat. 1814 H. F. Cary tr. Dante III. iii. 133 I to question her became less prompt. 1863 ‘G. Eliot’ I. Proem 2 The night-student, who had been questioning the stars or the sages..for that hidden knowledge. 1881 R. L. Stevenson 252 Will you kindly question your memory, and find out how much you did..and for how much you had to cheat yourself with some invention? 1910 E. M. Forster xxxviii. 302 I am obliged to question you on subjects we'd both prefer to leave untouched. 1940 J. Buchan vi. 148 A long-legged shepherd rose to question him. 1992 J. L. Esposito v. 164 When Abbasi Madani was questioned about his program, he described it as broad. the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > make inquiries [verb (intransitive)] 1584 J. Lyly v. ii. sig. E4v Thy sighes, when he questioned, may breede in him a ielosie. 1626 S. D'Ewes Let. 4 Feb. in H. Ellis (1824) 1st Ser. III. 217 Others hearing not well what hee saied hindred those by questioning which might have heard. 1815 S. J. Arnold ii. i Aye, aye, question away, we'll answer, I warrant. 1852 A. Cary xxiv. 281 Without being questioned, without questioning..I remained in this place until the child grew into womanhood. 1858 H. W. Longfellow ix. 53 Questioning, answering,..and each interrupting the other. 1977 L. Lowry ii. 18 I was never an ‘easy’ child; I remember that I questioned and argued and raged. the mind > attention and judgement > testing > accusation, charge > accuse [verb (transitive)] society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > trying or hearing of cause > try or hear cause [verb (transitive)] > examine judicially 1620 T. Cooper 38 So where the party delinquent is of that exorbitant power, that it cannot stand with the safety of a diseased state, to question him Iudicially. 1637 P. Heylyn 60 When you were questioned publickely for your misdemeanours. a1641 R. Montagu (1642) 240 Socrates was questioned and condemned at Athens. 1656 J. Bramhall ii. 96 He had rather his own Church should be questioned of Idolatry. 1789 Constitution U.S. i. §6 in archives.gov (accessed 18 Dec. 2019) For any speech or debate in either House [Senators and Representatives] shall not be questioned in any other Place. 1839 T. B. Macaulay (1843) II. 458 [He] cannot be questioned before any tribunal for his baseness and ingratitude. 1643 Sir T. Browne (authorized ed.) i. §27 I cannot see why the Angel of God should question Esdras to recall the time past, if it were beyond his owne power. View more context for this quotation the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > ask, enquire [verb (transitive)] > put as a question 1481 tr. Cicero sig. F7 Yf ye question how I preve that auctorite by the most high thing that olde age myght have his verry experience and excercise. 1551 T. Wilson sig. E.ivv Therfore in questionyng what the thyng is, we muste declare the very nature. 1592 R. Greene sig. F2 I..was so bould as to question what they were, and of their businesse. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. ii. 433 'Tis safer to Auoid what's growne, then question how 'tis borne. View more context for this quotation 1651 T. Hobbes ii. xxi. 110 They never questioned what crime he had done. ?1706 E. Hickeringill i. 11 And who dare..question what his Popeship would be at? 1712 E. Arwaker (ed. 4) iii. 158 If he questions how in Death I look, Say how my Beauty has my Face forsook. 1850 F. E. Smedley i. 7 ‘You came inside, I believe?’ questioned Mrs. Mildman. 1851 H. F. Gould 30 Now her face a scar must wear, Ever till her dying day! Questioned how it happened there, What can blushing Fanny say? 1952 M. Laski xvii. 238 ‘You're quite sure you love him?’ questioned Mrs. Evadne. 1999 Oct. 61/3 ‘It's a Sinclair C5 on steroids,’ grinned the salesman to everyone who questioned what it was. 4. the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > investigation, inspection > investigate, inspect [verb (intransitive)] a1500 ( W. Worcester (Cambr. Gg.1.34) (1999) 288 To haue questioned of ij [a1460 anon. it is good for a man to enquer twyes of a thinge, for the firste enquerye is trouthe, and the secunde is dyscrecion]. 1584 G. Peele iv. iv Withdrawe yow from this presence for a space, Till wee haue throughly questioned of the cace. 1595 W. Warner tr. Plautus v Men. How now? what lackes this woman? Mul. Impudent beast, stand ye to question about it? 1606 G. W. tr. Justinus xxxi. 105 Which flattery..so much delighted him that them which before his affection hated, now his desire earnestly questioned after. a1642 J. Suckling Sad One ii. iii, in (1659) 10 It be not safe for Subjects To prie into the secrets of their Prince, Much less to question about them. 1661 iv. 431 After she had a little questioned about his own employments, she willed him to follow her. 1861 E. Atherstone x. 162 He, too, a sudden gravity put on; And questioned of the cause which so oppressed A spirit famed for mirth. 1886 O. F. Adams 128 He by the edge Sat down and questioned of the awful shape Below. 1905 ‘M. Field’ vi. iii. 184 They brought his arms, His sparkling arms; they questioned of the Prince Who wore them. 1928 in J. Masefield (1946) 664 They listened while she questioned of the way: ‘South of the Earth?’ they answered. the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > investigation, inspection > investigate, examine [verb (transitive)] 1590 E. Spenser v. iv. sig. P Artegall..Did stay a while their greedy bickerment, Till he had questioned the cause of their dissent. 1596 T. Lodge sig. M2 Arsinous and Margarita..hearing the turmoile thorow the citie, questioned the cause thereof. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) ii. iv. 142 Dispatch vs with all speed, least that our King Come here himselfe to question our delay. View more context for this quotation a1634 W. Austin (1635) 133 When they Question such things, as the Holy-ghost is silent in. 1655 T. Stanley I. iii. 29 Socrates asked them, if..he might be permitted to question what hee understood not. 5. the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > doubt [verb (transitive)] 1533 J. Frith sig. Fviii Whether it be so or not it maye be questioned. 1659 H. Slingsby (1836) 356 I sent you a leter..but I question whether you received it. 1694 W. King v. 48 He acknowledges there are Silver Mines in Norway, but he questions whether they turn to account. 1745 P. Thomas 286 I much question if those who left them had once fired them. 1758 S. Johnson 6 May 33 No man can question whether wounds and sickness are not really painful. 1844 7 10/1 We question whether any more monostylar monuments, supporting nothing, will be erected for some time. 1883 20 Oct. 408/1 Whether the request..can be complied with..may be questioned. 1902 B. T. Washington viii. 131 Many of them had been school-teachers, and they questioned whether or not clearing land would be in keeping with their dignity. 1972 L. B. Johnson xii. 282 On January 29 of that year The New York Times questioned whether the moon program was justified on scientific, military or political grounds. 2003 Sept. 57 (advt.) If communication is not targeted, not crystal clear, and not useful, do you question if it is really communication at all? 1606 M. Sutcliffe xvii. 128 It is not to be questioned, but he would deny them obedience in temporall affaires also. 1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher ii. iv. 48 It is not to be question'd, That they had gather'd a wise Councell. View more context for this quotation 1687 T. Brown Saints in Uproar in (1707) I. 119 I..question not but you'll do me and these two Martyrs Justice. a1720 W. Sewel (1795) I. Pref. 23 Some cases which I did not question to be true. 1749 H. Fielding VI. xviii. ii. 180 He did not in the least question succeeding with his Daughter. View more context for this quotation 1776 G. Campbell II. iii. v. 442 It is not to be questioned, that in some instances, the use of two connectives..may be expedient. 1878 R. Simpson I. 120 He did not question but the native Irish would join him. 1884 Nov. 48/2 It cannot be questioned that the death-rate..on the lighter soil would show a much greater contrast. 1925 F. E. Schelling ii. 29 It is not to be questioned that the example of the miracle play..encouraged the performance of Latin plays. 1996 22 Apr. a6 It cannot be questioned that the strength of the communities in the state contributes to the strength of the state as a whole. 6. the mind > language > statement > objection > object [verb (transitive)] > dispute or call in question the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > putting forward for discussion > put forward [verb (transitive)] > attack with arguments 1613 R. Anton sig. B3 He commanded Sir Panderus to set vpon him with his long sword: which he refused to doe, being daunted with the feare of hauing his profession questioned. 1621 M. Wroth sig. Gv My brother would needs marry him to a Lady in the country, which he..might haue questioned; yet he euer loued to obay his father. 1632 Galway Arch. in (1885) App. v. 478 Wee question the truth of your informacion. 1781 E. Gibbon III. xxvii. 3 The worthless delegates of his power, whose merit it was made sacrilege to question. 1787 ‘A. Pasquin’ ii. 48 The wandering Amphiscii, whose singular state, Made sceptics to question the wisdom of Fate. 1832 H. Martineau vii. 96 There would be no true humility in questioning your decision. 1883 J. A. Froude IV. ii. i. 164 Any one who openly questioned the truth of Christianity was treated as a public offender. 1916 G. Saintsbury p. viii That face-value itself varies as we look at the obverse and reverse of the coin—the face which appeared to contemporaries who did not question its genuineness. 1960 A. S. Neill ii. 102 Don't question anything—just obey. 2005 20 July 1/1 Treasurer Peter Costello last night questioned the validity of a national identity card, saying he was not convinced of its ability to combat terrorism. the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > danger > endanger [verb (transitive)] > render insecure the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > doubt [verb (transitive)] > raise doubts 1622 G. Markham & W. Sampson i. i. sig. B v Where our Princes health is questioned, The liues we either borrow or doe lend Must bee forgot and made ridiculous. 1628 tr. P. Matthieu 129 Heare is questioned, the publike safetie..the confirmation of the State, of our alters, of our Lawes. 1637 T. Heywood iii. sig. F This emulation Begets our hate, and questions him of life. a1642 J. Suckling Goblins v. 58 in (1646) Behold (grave Lords) the man Whose death question'd the life of these. 1879 G. Meredith III. xiv. 291 At the game of Chess it is the dishonour of our adversary when we are stale-mated: but in life..such a winning of the game questions our sentiments. 1989 I. Crichton Village in (1995) 305 An alien entering our warm kingdom, with its black body questioning our food. 1643 Sir T. Browne (authorized ed.) i. §21 Myself could shew a Catalogue of doubts, never yet imagined nor questioned . View more context for this quotation This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2007; most recently modified version published online June 2022). <  n.c1225 v.a1470 |
