Ifrågasätta

Ifrågasätta is a Swedish verb meaning to question the validity or truth of something, to challenge a claim, statement, decision, or method, or to cast doubt on its justification. The act can be aimed at data, arguments, or authorities, and it is common in academic, political, media, and public discourse. It implies a request for evidence or justification rather than a mere expression of doubt.

The verb is transitive and often used in formal or analytic contexts. Its present tense is ifrågasätter, past tense ifrågasatte, and supine form ifrågasatt. It can be used in active constructions (for example, "forskaren ifrågasatte resultaten") as well as in passive or passive-like clauses (for example, "beslutet ifrågasattes av oppositionen"). It typically takes a direct object referring to what is being questioned and may be combined with phrases like "om" or "huruvida" to specify the issue (for example, "ifrågasätta om uppgiften var korrekt").

Etymology-wise, it is a compound formed from the verb "fråga" (to ask) with a prefix that intensifies the action, yielding the sense of bringing something into question. It is closely related to "frågasätta," which conveys a similar meaning and is sometimes perceived as less emphatic or formal depending on context.

In usage, "ifrågasätta" often signals critical scrutiny and evidence-based doubt, distinguishing it from milder verbs for doubt or disbelief.