query

query — noun

1. a question that someone asks because they want information or because they are u

1.nounB2
Definition

a question that someone asks because they want information or because they are unsure whether something is correct or acceptable

Example

Felix sent a query to the university about his exam results.

collocation: send a query to [institution]

The librarian said she would help with any query about the collection.

pattern: any query about + noun phrase

Common collocations
  • send a query
  • have a query
  • raise a query
  • answer a query
  • respond to a query
  • query about something
Synonyms
  • question

    more general and neutral; used in any context, not necessarily to an authority

  • inquiry

    very similar; slightly more formal and often implies a systematic search for information

  • doubt

    focuses on the uncertainty rather than the question itself; can be a feeling rather than an uttered question

Antonyms
  • answer

    the response that resolves a query

  • reply

    the communication given in response to a query

Usage Note

Often used with the verbs 'have', 'raise', or 'send' to describe making a query, and 'answer' or 'respond to' for addressing one.

Common Mistakes

I have a query about how to boil rice.
I have a question about how to boil rice.
'query' sounds too formal for simple everyday questions where no official source is involved.

query — verb

Word family

  • querying
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All three words involve doubting or raising issues about something, but they differ in strength. 'Query' is the most neutral — you are asking questions to check facts, often in a professional or formal setting (e.g., querying a bill or a report). 'Question' is broader and can be as mild as seeking clarification. 'Challenge' is stronger and more confrontational — you are not just asking but actively pushing back against a claim. 'Dispute' is the strongest of the group, meaning you firmly disagree and argue that something is wrong. For example, a journalist queries a politician's statement (asks for evidence), challenges it (says it seems untrue), or disputes it (presents counter-evidence and argues it is false).

question ↗challenge ↗dispute ↗

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'query' entered English in the 16th century from the Latin verb 'quaerere', meaning 'to ask, seek, or inquire'. It passed through Old French 'querre' before arriving in English as 'quere' (a question mark or inquiry). The spelling gradually shifted to 'query' under the influence of related Latin forms. The noun sense of 'a question' appeared before the verb sense of 'to question or doubt'.