query
query Lexical Profile
query Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A question, especially one addressed to an official or organization, or one expressing doubt about the validity of something.
"Please direct any queries regarding the new policy to the human resources department."
A formal request for data or information from a database or search engine.
"The analyst wrote a complex database query to retrieve the quarterly sales figures."
British A question mark, especially when added on a manuscript or proof to indicate that something should be checked.
"The copyeditor placed a query in the margin next to the unverified date."
• verb
To ask a question about something, especially in order to express one's doubts about it or to check its validity or accuracy.
"Several shareholders queried the board's decision to delay the dividend payment."
To request specific data or information from a computer database or system.
"The application queries the central server every five minutes for updated inventory levels."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'query' and 'inquiry' both mean a question, 'query' usually refers to a specific, single question (often raising a doubt or requesting data from a computer system), whereas 'inquiry' more often denotes a broader or official investigation.
• Rhymes for query
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Adopted in the 17th century as an Anglicized spelling of the Latin imperative 'quaere' ('ask!'), from the verb 'quaerere' ('to seek or ask'), which scholars and printers placed in margins to flag a point for further investigation.