cross-question: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Legal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “cross-question” mean?
To question someone thoroughly and in detail, often in a formal or hostile manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To question someone thoroughly and in detail, often in a formal or hostile manner.
To question someone again about the same matter, or to question them using previous answers to test consistency, especially in legal or formal interrogation contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is recognized in both, but is more characteristically British, especially in legal/judicial contexts. In the US, terms like 'cross-examine' are dominant.
Connotations
In both, connotes formality and challenge. In the UK, it can be a standard procedural term. In the US, it may sound slightly archaic or specifically British.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher in UK formal writing (legal, parliamentary, academic). Rare in US everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “cross-question” in a Sentence
[Subject] cross-questioned [Object (person)] about [Topic][Subject] was cross-questioned by [Agent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cross-question” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The QC will cross-question the witness on his earlier statements.
- The panel spent an hour cross-questioning the minister about the expenditure.
American English
- The defense attorney cross-questioned the expert witness aggressively.
- During the hearing, she was thoroughly cross-questioned by the committee.
adverb
British English
- N/A (extremely rare as adverb)
American English
- N/A (extremely rare as adverb)
adjective
British English
- The cross-question session lasted for two tense hours.
- He faced a barrage of cross-question techniques.
American English
- The cross-question phase of the deposition was the most critical.
- She employed a relentless cross-question approach.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in internal investigations or due diligence interviews.
Academic
Used in historical, legal, or social science texts discussing methodologies of inquiry or debate.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used humorously or emphatically ('My mum cross-questioned me about where I'd been!').
Technical
Primarily a legal term, especially in British Commonwealth jurisdictions, relating to court procedure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cross-question”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cross-question”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross-question”
- Using it as a simple synonym for 'ask' (too strong). Confusing it with 'cross-examine' (which is strictly legal and a subset of cross-questioning).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Cross-examine' is a specific, formal legal term for questioning an opposing witness in court. 'Cross-question' is broader and can be used in any formal interrogation context (e.g., a parliamentary committee, an investigation), though it often implies a similar challenging style.
It would sound very formal and intense. In everyday situations, phrases like 'grill someone', 'ask a lot of questions', or 'question closely' are more natural.
The noun is 'cross-questioning' (e.g., 'He faced a tough cross-questioning').
Yes, the standard form is hyphenated: 'cross-question'. The verb forms are 'cross-questioned', 'cross-questioning'.
To question someone thoroughly and in detail, often in a formal or hostile manner.
Cross-question is usually formal, legal, academic in register.
Cross-question: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɒs ˈkwes.tʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɑːs ˈkwes.tʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to put someone through a cross-questioning”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CROSSING guard stopping you to ask many QUESTIONS from different angles.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUESTIONS ARE WEAPONS / TRUTH IS A TARGET (The questioner 'fires' questions to 'hit' the truth or expose weaknesses.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'cross-question' MOST appropriately used?