questioner
UK: ˈkwes.tʃə.nər | US: ˈkwes.tʃə.nər
n. a person who asks questions, especially in a formal or investigative context
n. an interrogator or examiner (e.g., in a debate or interview)
The word "questioner" derives from the Old French question (from Latin quaestio, meaning "a seeking or inquiry"), combined with the English agentive suffix -er. The Latin root quaerere (to seek, ask) evolved into question in Middle English, retaining its core meaning of inquiry. The suffix -er (from Old English -ere) systematically denotes a person performing an action, making "questioner" logically mean "one who asks questions." This construction reflects a straightforward Germanic-Latin hybrid pattern common in English.
The journalist acted as a persistent questioner during the press conference.
In philosophical debates, Socrates was known as a relentless questioner.
The panel included a questioner who challenged the speaker’s assumptions.
As a skilled questioner, the detective uncovered key details from the witness.
The teacher encouraged every student to become an active questioner in class.