question-mark

A student points at a question-mark on the chalkboard.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A punctuation mark: "question-mark" is the symbol (?) used at the end of a sentence to indicate a direct question.
   • An element of uncertainty: In figurative use, a "question-mark" refers to something that is doubtful, uncertain, or not yet resolved.

Usage Examples

• Punctuation mark:

  • Please place a question-mark at the end of your sentence. (The symbol indicating a query.)
  • The teacher corrected the missing question-mark in my essay. (The punctuation was absent where needed.)

• Figurative uncertainty:

  • His future with the company is a question-mark. (His continued employment is uncertain.)
  • The project's success remains a question-mark due to budget cuts. (The outcome is doubtful.)

Advanced Usage

• "to put a question-mark over something": to cast doubt on the validity or feasibility of something.

  • The new evidence puts a question-mark over the entire investigation. (The evidence creates uncertainty about the investigation's findings.)

• "a question-mark hangs over": used to indicate that a situation is unresolved or uncertain.

  • A question-mark hangs over the team's performance this season. (The team's success is uncertain.)

Variants and Related Words

• Question (n): a sentence or phrase used to ask for information.

  • She raised a question about the deadline. (She asked for clarification.)

• Questionable (adj): doubtful or not certain; open to suspicion.

  • His motives were questionable. (His intentions were not clearly trustworthy.)

• Mark (n): a visible impression or symbol.

  • The punctuation mark was faint. (The symbol was hard to see.)

Synonyms

• Query mark: a less common synonym for the punctuation symbol.
• Doubt: a feeling of uncertainty, often used in the figurative sense.
  • There is doubt about the plan's success. (Uncertainty exists.)

Related Idioms

• "Question-mark in the air": an expression of uncertainty or hesitation.

  • After his vague answer, there was a question-mark in the air. (Everyone felt unsure.)

• "To be a question-mark": to be a person or thing that is unreliable or unpredictable.

  • The new employee is a question-mark; we don't know how he will perform. (He is an unknown factor.)