Questioningly: meaning, definitions and examples

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questioningly

 

[ˈkwɛs.tʃən.ɪŋ.li ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a questioning manner

In a way that shows that someone is not certain about something and is asking for more information or clarification.

Examples of usage

  • She looked at him questioningly, unsure of what to say.
  • The dog tilted its head questioningly, as if wondering what was going on.
Context #2 | Adjective

showing doubt or confusion

Expressing or showing doubt, confusion, or uncertainty about something.

Examples of usage

  • Her questioningly expression indicated that she was not convinced.
  • He gave her a questioningly look, waiting for an explanation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word stems from the Latin 'quaestionem' which means inquiry or investigation.
  • It combines 'question' with the adverbial suffix '-ly,' turning the action into a manner of questioning.

Psychology

  • Using a questioning tone can influence how someone interprets your confidence in a conversation.
  • Research shows that people often feel more engaged when a topic is approached questioningly, prompting deeper thought.
  • In learning environments, questioning enhances critical thinking and retention of information.

Literature

  • Literature often includes characters who express their thoughts questioningly, indicating doubt or curiosity.
  • Great works highlight the internal conflict through questioning, revealing deeper character motivations.
  • Poets skillfully blend questioning tones into their verses, encouraging readers to ponder and reflect.

Communication

  • The way someone speaks questioningly can create an atmosphere of openness, inviting dialogue.
  • Questioning can serve as a critical tool in negotiations, allowing one to uncover the underlying needs of others.
  • Interrogative sentences, which provoke questioning, are vital in promoting clarity and understanding in communication.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, questioning authority is seen as a sign of intelligence and curiosity, while in others it might be viewed as disrespectful.
  • Questioning can differ by context; in some societies, it is encouraged in educational settings, fostering critical dialogue.
  • Cultural attitudes toward questioning often reflect broader societal values on knowledge, power, and hierarchy.

Translations

Translations of the word "questioningly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 questionavelmente

🇮🇳 सवालिया ढंग से

🇩🇪 fragend

🇮🇩 dengan bertanya

🇺🇦 запитливо

🇵🇱 pytająco

🇯🇵 疑問を持って

🇫🇷 questionnement

🇪🇸 cuestionablemente

🇹🇷 sorgulayıcı bir şekilde

🇰🇷 질문하듯이

🇸🇦 بشكل تساؤلي

🇨🇿 tázavě

🇸🇰 otázne

🇨🇳 疑问地

🇸🇮 vprašujoče

🇮🇸 spyrjandi

🇰🇿 сұраулы түрде

🇬🇪 კითხვის ნიშნით

🇦🇿 sorğulayıcı şəkildə

🇲🇽 cuestionablemente

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,227, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.