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interrogatively

interrogatively

7.5
In a questioning way that shows you want information
  • adverb
  • /ˌɪntəˈrɒɡətɪvli/
translation icon : interrogativamente
  • He interrogatively twirls a finger around his temple.

Examples

  • He swivels to look interrogatively at Tom.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • The Indian woman at the till looks at both of us interrogatively as Derek counts out pound notes to her.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • "Are we leaving soon?" she asked interrogatively, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

  • "You want to go there now?" he replied interrogatively, unsure about the plan.

  • The teacher looked at the students interrogatively, waiting for them to respond to the question.

Synonyms

curiously
vsinterrogatively
22 2.6

In a way that shows a strong wish to know or learn something

is used when someone actually requests information or sounds uncertain rather than interested
questioningly
vsinterrogatively
3 3.3

In a way that shows doubt or a wish to know more

is used when expressing a direct request for information or uncertainty rather than mere doubt
inquiringly
vsinterrogatively
1 4.7

In a curious way that shows a wish to know more

focuses more on forming a direct request for information or showing uncertainty
wonderingly
vsinterrogatively
1 5.4

In a curious and surprised way

is used for direct requests or clear uncertainty rather than surprised awe
inquisitively
vsinterrogatively
1 4.5

Showing curiosity and wanting to learn more

is more about making a direct request or sounding unsure rather than eagerness

How Questioning

interrogatively
7.5
inquiringly
1 4.7
curiously
22 2.6

Surface Forms

interrogatively positive

Morphology

interrogatively = interrogative (transparent) = interrogate + ive + ly

Standard adverbial formation from the adjective 'interrogative' by adding '-ly'; meaning 'in a questioning manner' is directly derived.

Etymology

Interrogatively comes from the Latin root rogare 'to ask' and shares this root with the English verb interrogate. So to act interrogatively is to act 'in a questioning way', like when you look at someone to ask for information.