Query

Definition

Query refers to a question, especially one posed formally or with a specific purpose in mind.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkwɪəri/
• Respelling: KWIR-ee (with "KWIR" as in "quirk," and "ee" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkwɪəri/
• Respelling: KWIR-ee (similar to American English, with "KWIR" as in "quirk," and "ee" as in "see")

In both dialects, "query" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, "KWIR." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the "KWIR" part.

Etymology

The term "query" originates from the Latin word "quaerere" which means "to ask". It made its way into English in the 17th century through the modification of the Latin word "quaere", an imperative form of "quaerere", used in writing as a note to query or question a particular point.

Derivatives

• Queried
• Querying
• Querier
• Unqueried
• Queryable

Synonyms

• Question
• Inquiry
• Interrogation

Antonyms

• Response
• Answer
• Statement

Usage

The word "query" is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts to refer to a question or a doubt about something. It also has specific uses in computing to denote a request for information from a database.

Related Terms

• Probe
• Enquiry
• Investigation

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A question, especially one addressed to an official or organization.
• Example: The senator submitted a query about the budget allocation to the committee.

• A doubt or question about the truth or validity of something.
• Example: There was a query in his mind about the authenticity of the artifact.

• In computing, a request for data or information from a database.
• Example: The programmer wrote a query to fetch all records from the last month.

Verb

• To ask a question about something, especially in order to express one's doubts or check its validity or accuracy.
• Example: Journalists queried the president about the implications of the new policy.

• To express doubt or uncertainty about a statement or fact.
• Example: The auditor queried several items on the balance sheet.