Query vs. Question: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
A "query" is a formal request for information or clarification, often used in professional contexts, while a "question" is a general term for any inquiry or doubt.
Difference Between Query and Question
"Query" and "question" both refer to acts of seeking information, but they carry different connotations and are used in varied contexts. "Query" often has a formal tone and is commonly associated with professional or technical environments. For instance, in the realm of databases, a "query" is a request for data or specific information. It's also frequently used in contexts where precision or clarity is needed, such as in formal correspondences where one might "query" a statement's accuracy or details.
Muazma Batool
Sep 21, 2023
"Question," on the other hand, is a broader term. It encompasses any form of inquiry, be it casual, formal, rhetorical, or otherwise. "Question" can be a simple request for information, an expression of doubt, or a way to provoke thought. Its versatility means it's used in daily conversations, academic discussions, interviews, and more.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
Furthermore, "query" implies a sense of seeking confirmation or clarification about a specific point. If one were to "query" a charge on a bill, they're asking for details or clarification about that specific charge. In contrast, if one were to "question" a charge, it could imply doubt or suspicion about its validity.
Muazma Batool
Sep 21, 2023
In essence, while both "query" and "question" involve seeking information, "query" is more specific and formal, often used to gain clarity or precise data. "Question," conversely, is a universally applicable term for any form of inquiry, regardless of formality or context.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
Query vs. Question Comparison Chart
Connotation
Request for specific information or clarification
General inquiry or doubt
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
Grammatical Position
Can be both a noun and verb, "She sent a query."
Mostly a noun but can be a verb, "She questioned him."
William
Sep 21, 2023
Query vs. Question Definitions
◉Query
A formal request for information.
He sent a query to the author about the book's sources.
Kaitlyn
Sep 14, 2023
◉Question
An expression seeking an answer or clarification.
She raised a question about the project's deadline.
Muazma Batool
Sep 14, 2023
◉Query
A precise search term in a database.
The database returned results for the query wildflowers.
Nolan
Sep 14, 2023
◉Question
An instance of asking something.
He took questions from the audience after the presentation.
Kaitlyn
Sep 14, 2023
◉Query
A question in professional or formal communication.
The editor had several queries for the writer about the article.
Kaitlyn
Sep 14, 2023
◉Question
An expression of doubt.
There's no question about his dedication to the cause.
Henry
Sep 14, 2023
◉Question
An inquiry testifying curiosity.
Children often have many questions about the world.
Muazma Batool
Sep 14, 2023
◉Question
A sentence, phrase, or gesture that seeks information through a reply.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
A notation, usually a question mark, calling attention to an item in order to question its validity or accuracy.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
To express doubt or uncertainty about; question
query someone's motives.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
To pose a question or questions regarding (something); analyze or examine
researchers questioning which of the methods will work.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
To mark (an item) with a notation in order to question its validity or accuracy.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
To express doubt about; dispute
questioned his sincerity.
questioned the expense report.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
A question, an inquiry US, an enquiry UK.
The teacher answered the student’s query concerning biosynthesis.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
A sentence, phrase or word which asks for information, reply or response; an interrogative.
What is your question?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
A set of instructions passed to a database.
The database admin switched on query logging for debugging purposes.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
A subject or topic for consideration or investigation.
The question of seniority will be discussed at the meeting.
There was a question of which material to use.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
A doubt or challenge about the truth, accuracy, or validity of a matter.
His claim to the property has come under question.
The story is true beyond question.
He obeyed without question.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
A proposal to a meeting as a topic for deliberation.
I move that the question be put to a vote.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
To pass a set of instructions to a database to retrieve information from it.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
(transitive) To ask questions of; to interrogate; to ask for information.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
A question; an inquiry to be answered or solved.
I shall conclude with proposing only some queries, in order to a . . . search to be made by others.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
(intransitive) To ask a question or questions; inquire or seek to know; examine.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
A question in the mind; a doubt; as, I have a query about his sincerity.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
The act of asking; interrogation; inquiry; as, to examine by question and answer.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
To ask questions; to make inquiry.
Each prompt to query, answer, and debate.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
Discussion; debate; hence, objection; dispute; doubt; as, the story is true beyond question; he obeyed without question.
There arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
It is to be to question, whether it be lawful for Christian princes to make an invasive war simply for the propagation of the faith.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
Examination with reference to a decisive result; investigation; specifically, a judicial or official investigation; also, examination under torture.
He that was in question for the robbery. Shak.The Scottish privy council had power to put state prisoners to the question.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
To put questions about; to elicit by questioning; to inquire into; as, to query the items or the amount; to query the motive or the fact.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
That which is asked; inquiry; interrogatory; query.
But this question askedPuts me in doubt. Lives there who loves his pain ?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
Hence, a subject of investigation, examination, or debate; theme of inquiry; matter to be inquired into; as, a delicate or doubtful question.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
To write " query" (qu., qy., or ?) against, as a doubtful spelling, or sense, in a proof. See Quære.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
To ask questions; to inquire.
He that questioneth much shall learn much.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
an instance of questioning;
there was a question about my training
we made inquiries of all those who were present
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
To argue; to converse; to dispute.
I pray you, think you question with the Jew.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
To inquire of by asking questions; to examine by interrogatories; as, to question a witness.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
An expression of doubt or question regarding a point.
I have a query regarding this statement in your report.
Muazma Batool
Sep 14, 2023
◉Question
To doubt of; to be uncertain of; to query.
And most we question what we most desire.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Query
A challenge to the accuracy or authenticity of something.
Several experts raised queries about the research findings.
Nolan
Sep 14, 2023
◉Question
To raise a question about; to call in question; to make objection to.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
To talk to; to converse with.
With many holiday and lady terms he questioned me.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
an instance of questioning;
there was a question about my training
we made inquiries of all those who were present
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
the subject matter at issue;
the question of disease merits serious discussion
under the head of minor Roman poets
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
a sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply;
he asked a direct question
he had trouble phrasing his interrogations
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
uncertainty about the truth or factuality of existence of something;
the dubiousness of his claim
there is no question about the validity of the enterprise
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
a formal proposal for action made to a deliberative assembly for discussion and vote;
he made a motion to adjourn
she called for the question
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
an informal reference to a marriage proposal;
he was ready to pop the question
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of;
We must question your judgment in this matter
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
pose a series of questions to;
The suspect was questioned by the police
We questioned the survivor about the details of the explosion
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
place in doubt or express doubtful speculation;
I wonder whether this was the right thing to do
she wondered whether it would snow tonight
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Question
A subject or topic for discussion.
The main question of the debate was about climate change.
Henry
Sep 14, 2023
Query vs. Question Frequently Asked Questions
Is every question a query?
Not necessarily, while every query is a form of question, not every question is a formal query.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
When might one use query instead of question?
In formal or professional contexts, especially when seeking specific information or clarification.
Lucas
Sep 21, 2023
How does a rhetorical question differ from a regular question?
A rhetorical question doesn't expect an answer and is used for emphasis or to provoke thought.
Lucas
Sep 21, 2023
Can query be used in casual conversations?
While it's possible, "query" often carries a formal tone.
Muazma Batool
Sep 21, 2023
Does questioning always imply doubt?
No, questioning can simply be seeking information or clarity.
William
Sep 21, 2023
How do the two differ in daily speech?
"Question" is more common in daily speech, while "query" often appears in professional or specific contexts.
Jonathan
Sep 21, 2023
What is a query used for in databases?
A query retrieves specific data from a database.
Muazma Batool
Sep 21, 2023
Can both query and question be verbs?
Yes, you can "query" a statement or "question" someone's motives.
Leo
Sep 21, 2023
Is querying always formal?
While often formal, the context ultimately determines its formality.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
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