Mawson, C.O.S., ed. (1870–1938). Roget’s International Thesaurus. 1922.
Class IV. Words Relating to the Intellectual FacultiesDivision (I) Formation of Ideas
Section II. Precursory Conditions and Operations
461. Inquiry. [Subject Of Inquiry. Question.]
EXAMINATION, review, scrutiny, investigation, indagation [obs.]; perquisition, perscrutation [rare], pervestigation [obs.]; inquest, inquisition; exploration; exploitation, ventilation.
sifting; calculation, analysis, dissection, resolution, induction; Baconian method.
strict -, close -, searching -, exhaustive- inquiry; narrow -, strict-search; study (consideration) [See Thought].
scire facias [L.], ad referendum [L.]; trial.
QUESTIONING &c. v.; interrogation, interrogatory; interpellation; challenge, examination, third degree [colloq.], cross-examination, catechism, catechesis; feeler, Socratic method, zetetic philosophy; leading question; discussion (reasoning) [See Reasoning].
RECONNOITERING, reconnaissance or reconnoissance, prying &c. v.; espionage, espionnage [F.]; domiciliary visit, peep behind the curtain; lantern of Diogenes.
QUESTION, query, problem, poser, desideratum, point to be solved, porism; subject -, field- of -inquiry, – controversy; point -, matter- in dispute; moot point; issue, question at issue; bone of contention (discord) [See Discord]; plain -, fair -, open- question; enigma (secret) [See Secret]; knotty point (difficulty) [See Difficulty]; quodlibet [L.]; threshold of an inquiry.
INQUIRER, investigator, inquisitor, inspector, querist, examiner, probator, catechist; scrutator, scrutineer, scrutinizer; analyst; quidnunc (curiosity) [See Curiosity].
scratch the head, slap the forehead.
look -, peer -, pry- into every hole and corner; visit -, look- behind the scenes; nose, nose out, trace up; hunt out, fish out, ferret out; unearth; leave no stone unturned.
TRACK, seek a clew or clue; hunt, trail, shadow, mouse, dodge, trace; follow the -trail, – scent; pursue [See Remedy]; beat up one’s quarters; fish for; feel for (experiment) [See Experiment].
INVESTIGATE; take up -, institute -, pursue -, follow up -, conduct -, carry on -, prosecute- an inquiry &c. n.; look at, look into; preëxamine; discuss, canvass, agitate.
EXAMINE, mouse over [U. S.], study, consider, calculate; dip -, dive -, delve -, go deep- into; make sure of, probe, sound, fathom; probe to the -bottom, – quick; scrutinize, analyze, anatomize, dissect, parse, resolve, sift, winnow; view -, try- in all its phases; thresh out.
BRING IN QUESTION, subject to examination, pose; put to the proof (experiment) [See Experiment]; audit, tax, pass in review; take into consideration (think over) [See Thought]; take counsel [See Advice].
QUESTION, ask, demand; put -, propose -, propound -, moot -, start -, raise -, stir -, suggest -, put forth -, ventilate -, grapple with -, go into- a question.
INTERROGATE, put to the question, catechize, pump; cross-question, cross-examine; roast [colloq.], grill [colloq.], put through the third degree [colloq.]; dodge; require an answer; pick -, suck- the brains of; feel the pulse.
BE IN QUESTION &c. adj.; undergo examination.
UNDETERMINED, untried, undecided, tentative; in question, in dispute, in issue, in course of inquiry; under -discussion, – consideration, – investigation &c. n.; sub judice [L.], moot, proposed; doubtful (uncertain) [See Uncertainty].