Main Entry: ask

Pronunciation: \ˈask, ˈäsk; dial ˈaks\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): asked \ˈas(k)t, ˈäs(k)t, ˈask; dial ˈakst\; ask·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English āscian; akin to Old High German eiscōn to ask, Lithuanian ieškoti to seek, Sanskrit icchati he seeks

Date: before 12th century

transitive verb 1 a : to call on for an answer <she asked him about his trip> b : to put a question about <asking her whereabouts> c : speak, utter <ask a question>
2 a : to make a request of <she asked her teacher for help> b : to make a request for <she asked help from her teacher>
3 : to call for : require <a challenge that will ask much of us>
4 : to set as a price <asked $3000 for the car>
5 : inviteintransitive verb 1 : to seek information
2 : to make a request <asked for food>
3 : look —often used in the phrase ask for trouble

— ask·er noun

synonyms ask, question, interrogate, query, inquire mean to address a person in order to gain information. ask implies no more than the putting of a question <ask for directions>. question usually suggests the asking of series of questions <questioned them about every detail of the trip>. interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning <the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day>. query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation <queried a librarian about the book>. inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions <began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue>.

synonyms ask, request, solicit mean to seek to obtain by making one's wants known. ask implies no more than the statement of the desire <ask a favor of a friend>. request implies greater formality and courtesy <requests the pleasure of your company>. solicit suggests a calling attention to one's wants or desires by public announcement or advertisement <a letter soliciting information>.