sequestionnent

Sequestionnent is the third-person plural present indicative form of the French pronominal verb se questionner, meaning to question oneself or to engage in self-reflection. The phrase describes a process of critical thinking, doubt, or examination of one’s beliefs, decisions, or positions, often in contexts such as philosophy, education, journalism, or personal development.

In standard orthography, the verb is written as two words: se questionner. The infinitive is se questionner, with the present tense forms including ils/elles se questionnent. The form sequestionnent, without a space, is a nonstandard variant that appears in some stylized texts, social media, or branding contexts. The meaning remains the same: to engage in self-questioning or reflective inquiry.

Usage of se questionner or the compact form sequestionnent typically signals a deliberate turn toward scrutiny and doubt aimed at improving reasoning or decisions. It can apply to individuals, groups, or institutions. Examples include scholars examining methodological choices, a team reconsidering a project’s ethical implications, or readers encouraging themselves to reassess assumptions. Related expressions such as se remettre en question and le questionnement emphasize ongoing or constructive doubt as a driver of learning and adjustment.

In standard writing, prefer se questionner for the verb and se questionnent for the third-person plural present. The compact form sequestionnent is generally confined to informal or creative uses. Related terms include questionnement, réflexion, and pensée critique.