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Questioningly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคจ
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questioningly

[หˆkwษ›s.tสƒษ™n.ษชล‹.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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'questioningly'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'questioningly' is derived from the verb 'question', which originated from the Latin word 'quaestionare', meaning 'to ask'. Over time, the adverb form 'questioningly' developed to describe actions or expressions that convey uncertainty or a seeking of information.

See also: questionability, questionable, questionableness, questionably, questioner, questioning, questionnaire, unquestionable, unquestionably, unquestioned.

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.