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interrogative

interrogative

2 6.1
In the form of a question to ask someone for information
  • adjective
  • /ˌɪntəˈrɑːɡətɪv/
  • Specialized
: interrogativo
  • Marianne dipped her head, avoiding Patrick's interrogative gaze.
  • interrogative form

Examples

  • One man said something in Irish, and another answered him in an interrogative tone.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • Since each of these categories was based on one of the pre-planned interview topics, they were classed as interrogative.

    Academic text (1993)
  • Each of the final five speeches by Eben and Lloyd is interrogative in form, and two seem to be genuine questions.

    Academic text (1996)
  • The question itself—a marked shift from declarative certainty to interrogative doubt—expresses the ballad's increasing instability.

    Academic text (2010)
  • She asked her teacher an interrogative question about the homework assignment.

  • The interrogative sentence structure makes it clear that he is seeking information.

  • During the lesson, the students practiced using interrogative sentences to improve their questioning skills.

Synonyms

inquiring
vsinterrogative
9 3.9

Curious and asking questions to learn more

refers to the grammatical form or act of asking questions rather than curiosity
interrogatory
vsinterrogative
  • Formal
1 9.1

Showing that someone asks questions in a formal, serious way

is used for general asking rather than only legal or formal questioning
interrogational
vsinterrogative
  • Specialized
7.7

The grammar and sound used to make questions

is about question form in general rather than specific grammar or intonation

Antonyms

declarative
  • Specialized
7 6.3

Relating to sentences that state facts or give information

Compounds

1 3.4

A sentence that asks a question and waits for an answer

interrogative pronoun
  • Specialized
1 3.6

A word that people use to ask a question, like who or what

interrogative mood
  • Specialized
6.5

A way to make a sentence that asks a question, like 'Are you coming?'

How Questioning

interrogative
  • Specialized
2 6.1
declarative
  • Specialized
7 6.3

Surface Forms

interrogative positive

Morphology

interrogative = interrogate (transparent) = interrogate + ive

The adjective is formed by adding the productive adjectival suffix '-ive' to the verb 'interrogate', producing 'relating to asking/questions', which is directly predictable.

Etymology

Interrogative comes from the Latin parts inter- ('between') and rogare ('to ask'), the same root you find in interrogate. So if something is interrogative, it is in the form of a question or is used to ask a question.