Interrogation – Definition and Part of Speech
Interrogation is a noun referring to the act or process of questioning someone thoroughly, typically in a formal context such as law enforcement or legal proceedings. It often implies an intense and detailed examination of the person being questioned.
While primarily used as a noun, “interrogate” is its verbal form, meaning to question someone closely or critically.
Core Synonyms
Below are some key synonyms for “interrogation,” along with their nuances and example sentences.
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Questioning | General inquiry, less formal or intense than interrogation. | The detective’s questioning lasted for hours. | Informal/Neutral |
| Inquisition | A formal and exhaustive investigation often with an authoritative tone. | His inquisition into the financial discrepancies was thorough. | Formal, often historical |
| Inquiry | A polite or formal request for information. | The inquiry about the event’s attendance yielded interesting results. | Neutral/Academic |
| Cross-examination | Questioning in a legal setting by opposing counsel; focused and strategic. | The lawyer’s cross-examination exposed inconsistencies in the witness’s story. | Legal/Formal |
| Interrogation (as verb) | The act of interrogating someone, often implying intensity and thoroughness. | The officer interrogated the suspect for over two hours. | Formal/Legal |
Usage Notes
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Questioning can be used in various contexts ranging from casual to formal settings without the connotation of pressure or aggression.
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In a business meeting: “The manager’s questioning helped clarify the project goals.”
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In casual conversation: “I was just curious and started asking her questions.”
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Inquisition carries historical weight, often evoking the Spanish Inquisition. It implies an exhaustive search for information but is rarely used in everyday contexts due to its intensity.
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In academic writing: “The medieval inquisition left a lasting impact on religious practices.”
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Inquiry suggests politeness and neutrality, making it suitable for formal communications where directness might be inappropriate.
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In customer service: “Your inquiry has been forwarded to the appropriate department.”
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In academia: “The scientific inquiry led to several new insights.”
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Cross-examination is specifically tied to legal contexts. It implies a structured and strategic questioning aimed at uncovering truth or inconsistencies.
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In legal settings: “During cross-examination, the attorney questioned the witness’s credibility.”
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The verb form of interrogation denotes an intense and detailed inquiry often associated with authority figures such as police officers.
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In journalism: “The journalist described his interrogation by authorities in vivid detail.”
Common Pitfalls
A common mistake is using interrogation where a less formal synonym like questioning would be more appropriate. For instance, describing a casual conversation at work as an “interrogation” might come across as overly dramatic or confrontational.
Another potential pitfall involves confusing inquisition with modern investigative practices. The term may evoke historical connotations that are not intended in contemporary contexts.
Final Recap
In summary, while “interrogation” and its synonyms like questioning, inquisition, inquiry, and cross-examination can often be used interchangeably, their nuances dictate their appropriate usage across different contexts. Understanding these subtleties will enhance your vocabulary and communication skills.
- Questioning: Versatile and less formal.
- Inquisition: Formal, exhaustive, with historical implications.
- Inquiry: Polite, formal request for information.
- Cross-examination: Legal context, strategic questioning.
Encourage learners to practice using these terms by writing sentences or engaging in conversations. This will not only deepen their understanding but also improve their ability to choose the right word for a given situation.