Interrogatory

Part of speech: adjective, noun

Pronunciation: /ˌɪntəˈɹɑɡəˌtɔɹi/

Definitions

1. A formal written question used in legal proceedings to obtain information from another party under oath
2. A formal method of questioning meant to gather information in legal contexts through structured inquiries from a responding party under oath
3. A type of formal inquiry designed to extract information through specific questions posed in a legal context, requiring a sworn response from the recipient

Etymology: The word grew out of a Latin verb meaning "to ask a question," built from "inter" ("between" or "among") and "rogare" ("to ask"). The Latin "interrogare" gave English "interrogate," and from that verb came the adjective "interrogatory," meaning pertaining to questioning. Its older sense was simply "of or relating to asking questions," and it still carries that meaning in grammar and everyday use. The noun sense, a formal written question put to a party in a lawsuit and answered under oath, is a specialized legal extension of that same idea. The "-ory" ending, which marks "pertaining to" or "serving for," is the same ending found in words like "declaratory" and "compulsory." So the legal term is a transparent blend of a Latin verb and a suffix, shaped by centuries of courtroom practice rather than invented from scratch.

Synonyms: questioning, inquisitive, probing, investigative, interrogative

Antonyms: assertive, declarative, noninquisitive, uninquisitive, passive