An interrogative gesture or tone of voice shows that you want to know the answer to a question.
[written]
Donovan cocked an interrogative eye at his companion, who nodded in reply.
Synonyms: questioning, curious, inquiring, inquisitive More Synonyms of interrogative
2. singular noun
In grammar, a clause that is in the interrogative, or in the interrogative mood, has its subject following 'do', 'be', 'have', or a modal verb. Examples are 'When did they get back?' and 'Are you all right?'. Clauses of this kind are typically used to ask questions.
3. countable noun
In grammar, an interrogative is a word such as 'who', 'how', or 'why', which can be used to ask a question.
English Easy Learning GrammarDeclarative, interrogative, and imperative statementsEach sentence in English provides some type of information. For example, a sentencecan be a statement, a question, a request, a command, a denial or a ... Read more
English Easy Learning GrammarThe interrogativeThe interrogative is normal for many questions. It contains a verb phrase that isfollowed by a subject. There are two main types of question: those that ... Read more
English Easy Learning GrammarWH- wordsThe WH- words are also called interrogatives. They are used for WH- questions. Theycan be determiners, adverbs, or pronouns. WH- determiners When used ... Read more
interrogative in British English
(ˌɪntəˈrɒɡətɪv)
adjective
1.
asking or having the nature of a question
2.
denoting a form or construction used in asking a question
3.
denoting or belonging to a class of words, such as which and whom, that are determiners, adjectives, or pronouns and serve to question which individual referent or referents are intended
Compare demonstrative, relative
noun
4.
an interrogative word, phrase, sentence, or construction
5.
a question mark
Derived forms
interrogatively (ˌinterˈrogatively)
adverb
interrogative in American English
(ˌɪntəˈrɑgətɪv)
adjective
1.
asking, or having the form of, a question
2.
used in a question
noun
3.
an interrogative word or expression (Ex.: what? where?)
Derived forms
interrogatively (ˌinterˈrogatively)
adverb
Word origin
LL interrogativus see interrogate
Examples of 'interrogative' in a sentence
interrogative
Gee, thanks, she thought as Maartens turned back to her, his heavy brows lowering in an interrogative frown.
Val McDermid THE LAST TEMPTATION (2002)
That interrogative, speculative look with which every Commander is familiar.
NULL DARE CALL IT TREASON (2002)
From time to time she let out -- not a miaow, but a wail, an interrogative plaint.
Doris Lessing ON CATS (2002)
Tim stopped before the doorway and made an interrogative gesture.
Gregg Hurwitz THE KILL CLAUSE (2002)
(adjective)
Definition
of or like a question
He cocked an interrogative eye at his companion.
Synonyms
questioning
curious
He was intensely curious about the world around him.
inquiring
This helps children develop an inquiring attitude to learning.
inquisitive
Bears are very inquisitive and must be kept constantly stimulated.
quizzical
He gave Robin a mildly quizzical glare.
inquisitorial
Additional synonyms
in the sense of curious
Definition
eager to find out private details
He was intensely curious about the world around him.
Synonyms
inquisitive,
interested,
questioning,
searching,
inquiring,
peering,
puzzled,
peeping,
meddling,
prying,
snoopy (informal),
nosy (informal)
in the sense of inquiring
This helps children develop an inquiring attitude to learning.
Synonyms
inquisitive,
interested,
curious,
questioning,
wondering,
searching,
probing,
doubtful,
analytical,
investigative,
nosy (informal)
in the sense of inquisitive
Definition
excessively curious about other people's business
Bears are very inquisitive and must be kept constantly stimulated.