question

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [C] a sentence, phrase or word that asks for information: to ask / answer a question * Question 3 was very difficult. * In the exam there's sure to be a question on energy. * The question is, how much are they going to pay you? * (formal) The question arises as to whether or not he knew of the situation. * The key question of what caused the leak remains unanswered. * (formal) He put a question to the minister about the recent reforms. * I hope the police don't ask any awkward questions. * The government doesn't have the answers to these difficult questions. * In an interview try to ask open questions that don't just need 'Yes' or 'No' as an answer. 2 [C] ~ (of sth) a matter or topic that needs to be discussed or dealt with: Let's look at the question of security. * The question which needs to be addressed is one of funding. * Which route is better remains an open question (= it is not decided). 3 [U] doubt or uncertainty about sth: Her honesty is beyond question. * His suitability for the job is open to question. * Her version of events was accepted without question. IDIOMS bring / throw sth into question to cause sth to become a matter for doubt and discussion: This case brings into question the whole purpose of the law. come into question to become a matter for doubt and discussion good question! (spoken) used to show that you do not know the answer to a question: 'How much is all this going to cost?' 'Good question!' in question 1 that is being discussed: On the day in question we were in Cardiff. 2 in doubt; uncertain: The future of public transport is not in question. just / merely / only a question of (sth / doing sth) used to say that sth is not difficult to predict, explain, do, etc: It's merely a question of time before the business collapses. * It's just a question of deciding what you really want. out of the question impossible or not allowed and therefore not worth discussing: Another trip abroad this year is out of the question. there is / was no question of (sth happening / sb doing sth) there is/was no possibility of sth: There was no question of him cancelling the trip so near the departure date. moreatBEG, CALLv., MOOTadj., POPv. verb 1 [VN] ~ sb (about / on sth) to ask sb questions about sth, especially officially: She was arrested and questioned about the fire. * The students were questioned on the books they had been studying. * Over half of those questioned said they rarely took any exercise. [also Vspeech] 2 to have or express doubts or suspicions about sth: [VN] I just accepted what he told me. I never thought to question it. * No one has ever questioned her judgement. * [Vwh-] He questioned whether the accident was solely the truck driver's fault.