questioning
/ˈkwestʃənɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkwestʃənɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkwes-chə-niŋ ˈkwesh-/ (ame, mw) · /ˈkwes.tʃə.nɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkwes.tʃə.nɪŋ/ (ame, ipa)
questioning — noun
1. the process of asking someone questions in order to get information about someth
the process of asking someone questions in order to get information about something
The investigative reporter spent hours of persistent questioning to uncover the truth behind the scandal.
the process of asking questions to get information
Detailed questioning by the board members revealed several significant flaws in the new marketing campaign strategy.
the process of asking questions to get information
Public questioning regarding the new environmental policy forced the mayor to hold an emergency open forum.
The journalist's careful questioning of the officials helped clarify the government's new policy.
- inquiry
more formal, often implies a systematic investigation
- interrogation
implies a more forceful or persistent style of questioning
用法筆記
Used primarily in formal or professional contexts; often followed by 'by' or 'regarding'.
常見錯誤
Confusing with 'questions' (plural noun); 'questioning' implies the process rather than specific inquiries.
2. a formal session during which authorities systematically press an individual for
a formal session during which authorities systematically press an individual for details or confessions regarding a suspected offense
After the evidence was presented, the suspect remained silent during hours of intense police questioning downtown.
formal police questioning in a legal context
Rigorous questioning of the main witness eventually led to the discovery of inconsistencies in his timeline.
formal police questioning in a legal context
The detective ended his grueling questioning of the witness because he finally secured a signed confession.
During the police questioning, the suspect requested a lawyer several times before saying anything.
- interrogation
the standard legal term for formal police questioning
- cross-examination
specifically refers to questioning in a courtroom setting
用法筆記
Specifically refers to institutional or legal inquiries, often in an adversarial or investigative setting.
常見錯誤
Using 'questioning' when referring to a casual conversation or friendly chat.
questioning — adjective
- questioningpositive
- more questioningcomparative
- most questioningsuperlative
1. showing by your expression or tone that you have doubts about whether something
showing by your expression or tone that you have doubts about whether something is true, genuine, or right
Yasmin gave me a questioning look when I suggested we cancel the trip due to rain.
questioning look/glance/tone — expression of doubt
Christopher's questioning tone suggested he did not entirely trust the explanation provided by the department head.
questioning look/glance/tone — expression of doubt
When I told my parents I was moving abroad, they exchanged questioning glances across the dinner table.
Noa raised a questioning eyebrow when she saw the price tag on the old wooden desk.
- skeptical
focuses more on the internal disbelief than the outward action
- suspicious
implies a lack of trust in someone’s motives
用法筆記
Typically modifies nouns representing facial expressions (look, glance) or vocal tone (tone, voice, silence).
常見錯誤
Using 'questioning' to mean 'curious' in a positive, eager way; it almost always implies skepticism.
2. describing someone who is in a period of self-exploration regarding their person
describing someone who is in a period of self-exploration regarding their personal gender or romantic preferences, and who has not yet reached a defined conclusion
Many youth organizations now provide safe spaces for students who identify as questioning their sexual orientation.
questioning one's gender or sexual identity
The local community center hosts support groups for questioning teenagers navigating their complex social and personal identities.
questioning one's gender or sexual identity
When sixteen-year-old Anong started questioning her gender identity, she found a counselor at school who specialized in adolescent identity development.
The school library set up a section with books for students who are questioning their identity.
- exploratory
more general, less focused on personal identity
- undecided
broader term, lacks the focus on identity-formation
用法筆記
Used as a sensitive, inclusive term; primarily used in sociological or identity-related discourse.
常見錯誤
Using this term to describe someone simply changing their mind or being indecisive about minor daily choices.