Definition

Verb: - To challenge the accuracy, truthfulness, validity, or propriety of something; to express doubts about something, making others reconsider its reliability or correctness.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to formally or seriously express doubt about a fact, decision, statement, or someone's judgment. It suggests that the subject being questioned may be flawed and requires re-examination. It is often used in academic, legal, professional, or formal contexts.

Examples

• The new evidence called into question the witness's entire testimony.
• Several scientists have called the results of the study into question.
• His actions during the crisis call his leadership into question.

Advanced Usage

• To call something/someone into question: This is the standard structure. The object (the thing being doubted) can be placed between "call" and "into question" or after the entire phrase.
  • The audit called the company's financial practices into question.
  • The audit called into question the company's financial practices.

Variants and Related Words

• Question (verb): To ask questions or express doubt. ("I must question your logic.")
• Challenge (verb): To dispute or disagree with. ("She challenged the professor's theory.")
• Dispute (verb): To argue about or debate. ("They disputed the terms of the contract.")
• Cast doubt on (idiom): A very similar idiom meaning to make something seem less certain or true. ("The error cast doubt on the entire calculation.")

Synonyms

• Challenge
• Dispute
• Doubt
• Impugn
• Contest

Related Phrasal Verbs

(This is the target phrasal verb itself. Other phrasal verbs with 'call' have different meanings and are not direct synonyms.)

Related Idioms

• Cast aspersions on: To criticize or damage someone's reputation. (More focused on character attack than general validity.)
• Throw doubt on: Similar to "cast doubt on," meaning to make something seem questionable.

Verb

1. challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
   • We must question your judgment in this matter