query

Where does the word "query" come from? It comes from Latin quaerere, and was adopted directly into English (1530s).

Query’s story begins in Latin: quaerere meant “to seek, to ask.” From the imperative 'quaere', ask!, written in margins beside doubtful points. It reached English by 1530s as query. Settled as the English word for a question, especially one expressing doubt. Today, query means a question, especially one seeking information or expressing doubt.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient quaerere "to seek, to ask", from the imperative 'quaere', ask!, written in margins beside doubtful points.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1530s query "a question, especially one expressing doubt", settled as the English word for a question, especially one expressing doubt.