Questionaries

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A collection of forms used to gather information or opinions from individuals on various topics
  2. A set of written inquiries designed to elicit specific responses from participants
  3. An organized survey instrument consisting of a series of questions aimed at research or data collection

Etymology: The plural noun “questionaries” is a relatively rare and somewhat archaic term that essentially refers to collections or sets of questions, much like the more common “questionnaires.” Its origin lies in the Latin root “quaestio,” meaning “question,” combined with the suffix “-ary,” which often denotes pertaining to or connected with something. The suffix “-ary” comes from Latin “-arius,” used to form adjectives and nouns indicating a relationship or connection. In English, “-ary” can create nouns that denote a person concerned with something (like “secretary”) or a thing connected to something, as with “questionary.” The earliest instances of this term appear in English texts from the 16th and 17th centuries, when the language was experimenting with various formations to describe collections or types of questions, often in legal, theological, or philosophical contexts. “Questionary” was used historically to describe a list or book of questions, frequently employed for examination or inquiry, before “questionnaire” became the dominant form. The latter was borrowed from French in the 19th century and gained popularity, eventually overshadowing “questionary.” While “questionary” and its plural survive in some older writings, modern English overwhelmingly favors “questionnaire” for formal surveys or sets of questions. The shift from “questionary” to “questionnaire” reflects a common pattern where English adopts French-derived forms that sound more natural or refined, particularly in academic and bureaucratic settings. The French “questionnaire” itself emerged around the 18th century, derived from the verb “questionner,” meaning “to question,” with the nominal suffix “-aire” indicating a related item or person. Thus, the plural “questionaries” represents an older, less common formation tied closely to Latin roots and early English usage, eventually eclipsed by its French-influenced counterpart. Its story highlights the fluidity of English vocabulary and the influence of borrowing on shaping modern usage.

Synonyms: surveys, questionnaires, inquiries