The spelling of the phrase "tough question" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word "tough" is pronounced with the ʌ vowel sound, represented by the symbol /ʌ/, followed by the voiceless velar fricative sound /f/. The word "question" is pronounced with the stressed ɛ vowel sound, represented by the symbol /ɛ/, followed by the voiced postalveolar fricative sound /ʒ/. The combination of these sounds creates the challenging yet commonly used phrase "tough question."
The phrase "tough question" refers to a query or problem that is especially difficult, challenging, or perplexing to answer or solve. It often involves complicated subject matter or requires critical thinking skills and in-depth knowledge to provide a satisfactory response. A tough question can also be subjective in nature, involving moral or ethical dilemmas that do not have straightforward answers.
This type of question typically evokes uncertainty, as it may lack obvious or readily available solutions. It is likely to require a significant amount of consideration, analysis, and evaluation before a well-supported response can be formulated. Tough questions can be encountered in various contexts, such as academic exams, job interviews, debates, discussions, or even day-to-day situations where individuals are pushed to think critically and creatively.
Navigating a tough question often demands a deep understanding of the topic at hand, as well as the ability to think critically and apply logical reasoning. It may involve considering multiple perspectives, weighing different options, and exploring different angles or viewpoints to arrive at a well-reasoned answer. Being faced with a tough question can also provide an opportunity for personal growth, as it encourages individuals to stretch their intellectual capabilities, challenge their preconceptions, and discover new insights or solutions. Overall, a tough question is a challenging query that tests one's knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and problem-solving skills.
The word "tough" originated in the early 13th century from the Middle English word "tough", which meant "strong" or "resilient". It was derived from the Old Norse word "tófugr" meaning "difficult to deal with". Over time, "tough" came to refer to something difficult, challenging, or demanding.
The word "question" has its roots in Old French and Latin. In the 13th century, it appeared in Middle English with the spelling "questioun" or "question". It comes from the Latin word "quaestio", which means "inquiry" or "questioning".
The combination of "tough" and "question" in the phrase "tough question" likely developed over time as a colloquial expression to describe a particularly challenging or thorny question.