Meaning & use
beg the question
To assume the truth of the very point that is supposed to be proved, rather than offering evidence for it.
See it in a sentence
Saying the rule is fair because it is the rule begs the question, since it never explains why the rule is fair.
Critics argued that the study begged the question by assuming the drug worked before testing it.
A note on using this word
In careful usage, this refers to a logical fallacy, not simply 'raising a question'; many speakers now use it loosely to mean 'invites the question,' which stricter writers avoid.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. phrase
Used loosely to mean that something naturally raises or invites a particular question.
The sudden price drop begs the question of why sales had been so weak.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “beg the question”, then compare your use with the examples above.