interrogative

Think of a sentence that asks something, like "Who is there?" or "What happened?" "Interrogative" describes language that is used to ask a question or is related to questioning. You will often see it in grammar: interrogative pronouns such as "who," "what," and "which," interrogative adverbs such as "why" and "where," and interrogative sentences in general. It can also describe a questioning tone or look, though this use is less common than the grammar one.

Imagine a moment when someone stops and asks, "Why did that happen?" or "Who said that?" That is the world of *interrogative* language.

"Interrogative" basically means "used for asking questions" or "related to questions." It is most often used in grammar, where it labels words, phrases, or sentences that introduce or express a question. For example, who, what, which, where, when, why, and how are often called interrogative words. A sentence like "Where are you going?" is an interrogative sentence.

This word can also be used more broadly for a questioning manner or tone. If someone gives you an interrogative look, they seem to be silently asking for an answer. In writing or speech, an interrogative style may present ideas as questions in order to invite thought or reply.

The word comes from the Latin interrogare, meaning "to ask." In everyday learning, the safest and most useful meaning is the grammar one: if a word or sentence is there to ask something, it is interrogative.