inquisitional
inquisitional — adjective
- inquisitionalpositive
- more inquisitionalcomparative
- most inquisitionalsuperlative
1. relating to harsh, thorough questioning that feels like a personal attack to the
relating to harsh, thorough questioning that feels like a personal attack to the person being asked
The lawyer's inquisitional tone made Justin shift nervously in his seat.
collocation: inquisitional + tone
Esme dreaded family dinners because of her uncle's inquisitional questions about work.
The committee took an inquisitional approach, grilling Kian for nearly three hours.
Sivan found the journalist's inquisitional style both flattering and unsettling.
An inquisitional interview can leave even honest candidates feeling defensive.
- inquisitorial
nearly identical in meaning; 'inquisitorial' is slightly more common in legal contexts
- probing
less intense and less negative; 'probing' suggests thoroughness without the oppressive quality
- interrogative
more neutral; simply means asking questions rather than being harsh about it
- cross-examining
specific to legal or formal settings where someone is questioned aggressively
- deferential
showing respect and politeness rather than aggressive questioning
用法筆記
Almost always modifies nouns related to questioning or investigation (tone, approach, style, methods, interview); rarely found outside these contexts.