Synonyms 8

Question 1

ask

Answer 1

a general and colorless term suggesting mainly the placing of a single question in order to gain information. It may verge onto connoting seeking or requesting. ______ implies little more than the statement of the desire

Question 2

inquire

Answer 2

in this sense is likely to indicate an honest request for information, a question asked solely to lead to enlightening the questioner on the matter ostensibly under primary consideration

Question 3

query

Answer 3

indicates asking for an answer which clarifies, substantiates, removes doubt from the questioner’s mind

Question 4

interrogate

Answer 4

may suggest systematic and thorough questions; it implies, however, a simple search for facts and indicates nothing about the attitude of the questioner

Question 5

examine

Answer 5

in reference to things, is a synonym for inspect rather than for question; in reference to persons, it may suggest either detailed questions intended to discover the correctness of a person’s conduct or beliefs or the scope of his knowledge or abilities, the examiner often having knowledge of the correct or preferred answers

Question 6

quiz

Answer 6

suggests the asking of a series of questions by one knowing the answers in order to test another’s knowledge; it may suggest a lighter, more casual, less significant procedure than examine

Question 7

catechize

Answer 7

which often pertains to matters religious, may suggest systemic, rapid questioning, often calling for answers by rote, to verify accuracy, correctness, or orthodoxy of another’s notions, and to trip him up if possible

Question 8

request

Answer 8

implies more formality, greater display of courtesy, and anticipation of affirmative response

Question 9

solicit

Answer 9

in modern use and in this connection, commonly means no more than calling attention to one’s wants or desires

Question 10

beg

Answer 10

is often used in certain forms of politeness

Question 11

implore

Answer 11

usually emphasizes even more strongly than beg, personal urgency and earnestness although usually implying more dignity in the doer

Question 12

entreat

Answer 12

suggests the earnestness of a persuasive petition, implying generally less personal, emotional involvement than do beg or implore

Question 13

beseech

Answer 13

not as strong as entreat in the suggestion of personal urgency, sometimes stresses an earnestness arising from anxiety or solicitude

Question 14

supplicate

Answer 14

emphasizes the humbleness of the doer, suggesting strongly a respectful or prayerful attitude

Question 15

adjure

Answer 15

usually suggests a certain seriousness or solemnity of request, an invocation of duty or responsibility or of something bindingly sacred

Question 16

importune

Answer 16

implies an insistence, especially in repetition, or appeal or request, usually to the point of annoyance or irritation