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Interrogatory: meaning, definitions and examples

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interrogatory

 

[ ɪnˈtɛrəɡəˌtɔːri ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

inquiry

Relating to or denoting a sentence, clause, or phrase that asks a question.

Synonyms

inquiring, questioning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
interrogatory

Typically used in formal or legal settings, where questions are structured and intended to gather specific information.

  • The lawyer submitted a list of interrogatories to the defendant.
  • The interrogatory nature of her questions made him uncomfortable.
inquiring

Used when someone is seeking information or showing curiosity in a polite and often casual manner.

  • She had an inquiring mind and loved to learn new things.
  • The inquiring student asked the professor about the upcoming exam.

Examples of usage

  • It is an interrogatory sentence that requires a response.
  • The interrogatory nature of the statement prompted further investigation.
Context #2 | Noun

law

A written question that is formally put to one party in a case by another party and that must be answered.

Synonyms

query, question.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
interrogatory

This term is primarily used in legal settings when referring to formal questions that require answers under oath during discoveries in legal proceedings.

  • The lawyer submitted an interrogatory to the defendant seeking detailed information about the case.
question

A general term that can be used in a wide range of situations to ask for information, clarification, or an explanation. It is suitable for both formal and informal conversations.

  • Do you have any questions about the homework?
  • The teacher asked a question to the students about the chapter they read.
query

This word is most often used in professional or academic settings to indicate a formal or polite request for information or clarification.

  • She sent an email query to the researcher for more information on the study.
  • The client's query about the invoice was answered promptly.

Examples of usage

  • The lawyer submitted a series of interrogatories to gather information.
  • Answering the interrogatories accurately is crucial for the legal process.

Translations

Translations of the word "interrogatory" in other languages:

🇵🇹 interrogatório

🇮🇳 पूछताछ

🇩🇪 Vernehmung

🇮🇩 interogasi

🇺🇦 допит

🇵🇱 przesłuchanie

🇯🇵 尋問 (じんもん)

🇫🇷 interrogatoire

🇪🇸 interrogatorio

🇹🇷 sorgulama

🇰🇷 심문 (심문)

🇸🇦 استجواب

🇨🇿 výslech

🇸🇰 výsluch

🇨🇳 审问 (shěnwèn)

🇸🇮 zaslišanje

🇮🇸 yfirheyrsla

🇰🇿 сұрастыру

🇬🇪 კითხვის

🇦🇿 sorğu-sual

🇲🇽 interrogatorio

Etymology

The word 'interrogatory' originates from the Latin word 'interrogatorius', which means 'pertaining to asking questions'. The term has been used in English since the late 16th century. In legal contexts, 'interrogatory' refers to a formal written question, often used in court proceedings to collect information from a party involved in a case.

See also: interrogating, interrogation, interrogator.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,158, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.