question-and-answer
Meaning
Relating to or consisting of a format where questions are asked and answers are given.
A session or format involving a series of questions and their answers.
Structure
Usage
The lecture was followed by a lively question-and-answer session.
The website features a question-and-answer forum for software developers.
The interview was conducted in a strict question-and-answer format.
Etymology
The compound "question-and-answer" is a modern English syntactic formation, directly combining three independent lexical units. "Question" originates from the Latin verb quaerere (to seek, ask), entering English through Anglo-Norman. "Answer" has Germanic roots, from Old English andswaru, literally meaning a "swearing back against" a charge. The conjunction "and" is one of the most ancient and stable words in the language, traceable to Proto-Germanic. The logic of the compound is transparent and descriptive, preserving the literal meanings of its components to label a dialogic format where an inquiry is met with a response. It exemplifies how English readily creates precise compound terms through simple juxtaposition.
Analysis
- 'question': From Latin quaestionem (a seeking, inquiry), via Old French. Acts as the nominal element meaning an act of asking. - 'and': From Old English and, ond (a function word to connect words or clauses). Acts as a coordinating conjunction linking the two main elements. - 'answer': From Old English andswaru (a reply), from and- (against) + swaru (affirmation). Acts as the nominal element meaning a response.