Cuestionar in Spanish: challenge an idea

A reasoned doubt can open a discussion about an idea or decision.

The idea

Cuestionar means to question or challenge something; it takes a direct object. Its present includes cuestiono and cuestiona.

La periodista cuestiona la decisión del alcalde.The journalist questions the mayor’s decision.
Cuestionamos la idea de que el éxito depende solo del dinero.We question the idea that success depends only on money.
Ayer cuestioné los datos antes de publicar el informe.Yesterday I questioned the data before publishing the report.
El comité cuestionó el presupuesto por falta de pruebas.The committee questioned the budget for lack of evidence.
Si cuestionas una norma, explica también tus razones.If you challenge a rule, explain your reasons too.
Mis colegas cuestionarán la propuesta si no incluimos los costes.My colleagues will question the proposal if we do not include the costs.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Spanish voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Do not confuse cuestionar with asking a person a question: use preguntar for that. The past forms cuestioné and cuestionó need accents.

Choose the correct form: Yo ___ esa conclusión ayer. (cuestioné / cuestionó)
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cuestioné
Cuestioné identifies the speaker as the person who challenged the conclusion yesterday.
Choose the correct form: El equipo ___ la versión oficial ahora. (cuestiona / cuestionamos)
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cuestiona
Cuestiona matches the singular subject, the team, in the present.
Choose the correct form: Mañana nosotros ___ la propuesta. (cuestionaremos / cuestionaron)
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cuestionaremos
Cuestionaremos places our challenge in the future.

Write a sentence challenging an assumption and give your reason.