First Known Use: circa 1635
Dictionary
1query
noun que·ry \ˈkwir-ē, ˈkwer-\
: a question or a request for information about something
plural queries
Full Definition of QUERY
2
: a question in the mind : doubt
3
: question mark 2
See query defined for English-language learners
See query defined for kids
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Origin of QUERY
alteration of earlier quere, from Latin quaere, imperative of quaerere to ask
Related to QUERY
- Synonyms
- distrust, distrustfulness, dubiety, dubitation [archaic], incertitude, misdoubt, misgiving, mistrust, mistrustfulness, doubt, reservation, skepticism, suspicion, uncertainty
- Antonyms
- assurance, belief, certainty, certitude, confidence, conviction, sureness, surety, trust
2query
verb
: to ask (someone) a question
: to ask questions or express doubt about (something)
: to ask (a question)
que·riedque·ry·ing
Full Definition of QUERY
transitive verb
1
: to ask questions of especially with a desire for authoritative information
2
: to ask questions about especially in order to resolve a doubt
3
: to put as a question
4
: to mark with a query
— que·ri·er noun
See query defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of QUERY
1654
Related to QUERY
Synonym Discussion of QUERY
ask, question, interrogate, query, inquire mean to address a person in order to gain information. ask implies no more than the putting of a question <ask for directions>. question usually suggests the asking of series of questions <questioned them about every detail of the trip>. interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning <the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day>. query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation <queried a librarian about the book>. inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions <began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue>.
ask, request, solicit mean to seek to obtain by making one's wants known. ask implies no more than the statement of the desire <ask a favor of a friend>. request implies greater formality and courtesy <requests the pleasure of your company>. solicit suggests a calling attention to one's wants or desires by public announcement or advertisement <a letter soliciting information>.
ask, request, solicit mean to seek to obtain by making one's wants known. ask implies no more than the statement of the desire <ask a favor of a friend>. request implies greater formality and courtesy <requests the pleasure of your company>. solicit suggests a calling attention to one's wants or desires by public announcement or advertisement <a letter soliciting information>.
QUERY Defined for Kids
1query
noun que·ry \ˈkwir-ē, ˈkwer-ē\
plural queries
Definition of QUERY for Kids
: 1question 1 <My queries went unanswered.>
2query
verb
que·riedque·ry·ing
Definition of QUERY for Kids
1
: to put as a question <“Can I come?” she queried.>
2
: to ask questions about especially in order to clear up a doubt <They queried his decision.>
3
: to ask questions of <I'll query the professor.>
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