in question

ques·tion  (kwschn)

n.

1.

a. An expression of inquiry that invites or calls for a reply.

b. An interrogative sentence, phrase, or gesture.

2. A subject or point open to controversy; an issue.

3. A difficult matter; a problem: a question of ethics.

4. A point or subject under discussion or consideration.

5.

a. A proposition brought up for consideration by an assembly.

b. The act of bringing a proposal to vote.

6. Uncertainty; doubt: There is no question about the validity of the enterprise.

v. ques·tioned, ques·tion·ing, ques·tions

v.tr.

1. To put a question to. See Synonyms at ask.

2. To examine (a witness, for example) by questioning; interrogate.

3. To express doubt about; dispute.

4. To analyze; examine.

v.intr.

To ask questions.

Idioms:

in question

Under consideration or discussion.

out of the question

Not worth considering; impossible: Starting over is out of the question.

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[Middle English, from Old French, legal inquiry, from Latin quaesti, quaestin-, from *quaestus, obsolete past participle of quaerere, to ask, seek.]

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question·er n.

question·ing·ly adv.

Thesaurus

Adj.

1.

in question - open to doubt or suspicion; "the candidate's doubtful past"; "he has a dubious record indeed"; "what one found uncertain the other found dubious or downright false"; "it was more than dubitable whether the friend was as influential as she thought"- Karen Horney doubtful, dubitable, dubious questionable - subject to question; "questionable motives"; "a questionable reputation"; "a fire of questionable origin"