Definition

A question that is asked in response to another question, often to challenge or redirect the conversation.

Example

When asked about his plans, he responded with a counterquestion about her own intentions.

Conversation

When he asked me about my plans, I gave him a counterquestion instead.

That's a clever way to change the subject!

Yeah, it caught him off guard, which was kind of funny.

Sometimes a good counterquestion is all you need to keep things interesting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Counterquestion → It is formed from "counter-" (meaning against) and "question" (from Latin "quaestio", meaning inquiry or asking). The word "counterquestion" refers to a question posed in response to another question, effectively asking against the original inquiry.

Memory Tip

Think of asking a question "against" another question — that's what a counterquestion means.

Visually Confused Words