Querying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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querying

[หˆkwษชษ™riษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

computer programming

The process of sending a query to a database in order to retrieve specific information. It is a fundamental operation in databases where users can search for data based on certain criteria.

Synonyms

fetching, retrieving, searching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
querying

Seems to be repeated, please refer to the first entry.

searching

This word is used when you are looking for something without knowing exactly where it is or what the result will be. It is broader and can be used in various contexts, both digital and physical.

  • He is searching for information on the internet.
  • They are searching the park for the lost dog.
retrieving

This term is commonly used when referring to obtaining something that has been stored, saved, or archived. It often implies getting back something that was previously put away.

  • The software is retrieving archived emails from the database.
  • She is retrieving her lost files from the backup drive.
fetching

This word is usually used when talking about retrieving something, often in a simple or direct manner, such as getting data or items. It can also be used outside of digital contexts.

  • The application is fetching data from the API.
  • He is fetching the mail from the mailbox.

Examples of usage

  • Querying the database for customer information.
  • The system allows for complex querying of the data.
Context #2 | Verb

general

The act of asking a question or requesting information from someone or something. It can also refer to the act of searching for information or data.

Synonyms

asking, inquiring, requesting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
querying

Used in formal or technical situations, often in business, IT, or databases, to indicate the process of asking questions to retrieve information.

  • She was querying the database to find the latest sales figures.
  • During the meeting, he was constantly querying the reasons behind the statistics presented.
asking

Common and informal use, suitable for everyday conversations when you request information or help from someone.

  • She's asking her mother for advice on choosing a college.
  • I'm asking my boss if I can leave early today.
inquiring

More formal than 'asking', used in professional or academic contexts for seeking detailed information or investigation.

  • The manager is inquiring about the new project deadline.
  • She's inquiring into the reasons for the delay in shipment.
requesting

Used in formal or polite situations when you are asking for something specific, often a service, permission, or favor.

  • He is requesting a copy of the annual report.
  • They are requesting permission to start the construction work next month.

Examples of usage

  • She was querying the librarian about the book availability.
  • The detective spent hours querying the database for clues.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In computing, querying refers to the way we ask databases for specific data, using specialized languages like SQL.
  • Search engines perform complex querying to present the most relevant results based on what you type.
  • The efficiency of querying affects how quickly we can retrieve information, impacting user experience and data accessibility.

Education

  • Querying is a crucial skill for effective research, allowing students to gather information from various sources.
  • Educators often encourage students to formulate questions to foster critical thinking and deeper understanding.
  • Inquiry-based learning relies heavily on querying, as students explore topics through questions rather than just receiving information.

Linguistics

  • In language studies, querying can involve questioning the usage of words and grammar within a given context.
  • The effectiveness of a query can change based on how it's phrased, affecting clarity and understanding.
  • Itโ€™s also integral in dialogue systems and natural language processing, working to understand user intents.

Science

  • In scientific research, querying involves formulating hypotheses and asking questions to guide experimentation.
  • Data querying helps scientists analyze results by extracting specific datasets from larger studies.
  • The process of asking questions is fundamental to the scientific method, which relies on inquiry and structured investigation.

Origin of 'querying'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'quaere', meaning 'to seek' or 'to ask'.
  • In English, it appeared in the late 14th century, evolving from the word 'querie'.
  • It relates closely to the concept of inquiry, which means seeking knowledge.

The word 'querying' originates from the Latin word 'quaerere', which means 'to ask, seek'. It has been used in English since the late 18th century, primarily in the context of seeking information or data. With the rise of computer technology, the term became commonly associated with database operations and information retrieval.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,663, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.