Definition

1. Noun:
   • A punctuation symbol (?) used at the end of a written sentence to show that it is a direct question.
   • A state of uncertainty or doubt about something, often used metaphorically.

Usage

• The primary function of a question mark is to terminate an interrogative sentence.
• It is not used for indirect questions.
• In metaphorical use, it represents an unknown factor or something that is uncertain.

Examples

• As punctuation:
  • What is your name?
  • Are we leaving tomorrow?
• Metaphorical use (uncertainty):
  • His true intentions remain a question mark.
  • There's a big question mark over the future of the project.

Advanced Usage

• In titles: Sometimes used within parentheses in titles or headlines to indicate a query or doubt about a statement (e.g., ).
• In computing: In some programming languages and search patterns, the question mark is a special character with specific functions (e.g., a wildcard or ternary operator).

Variants and Related Words

• Interrogation point: A less common, formal synonym for the punctuation mark.
• Query: A question or the act of asking; related in meaning but not a punctuation mark.

Synonyms

• Interrogation mark (formal)
• Query symbol (technical)

Idioms and Phrases

• A question mark over/hanging over something: A state of doubt concerning the success, truth, or existence of something.
  • There is a serious question mark over the company's financial stability.
• Put a question mark against something: To raise doubts about something.
  • The new evidence puts a question mark against his alibi.

Noun

1. a punctuation mark (?) placed at the end of a sentence to indicate a question