ask

ask

verb \ˈask, ˈäsk; dialect ˈaks\

asked \ˈas(k)t, ˈäs(k)t, ˈask; dialect ˈakst\ ask·ing

Definition of ASK

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

: invite

intransitive 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

Examples of ASK

1. I need to ask a question.
2. Did you ask her yet?
3. “Have you seen the movie yet?” he asked.
4. a list of frequently asked questions
5. “If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?” “I'm 35 years old. Why do you ask?”
6. “Do they have any soda?” “I don't know. I'll go ask.”
7. I would have given it to him, but he never asked.
8. We had to stop and ask directions.
9. May I ask the time?
10. Did you ask permission to leave?

Origin of ASK

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to ASK

Synonyms

catechize, grill, inquire (of), interrogate, query, question, quiz

Antonyms

answer, reply, respond

Related Words

besiege, bombard, cross-examine, cross-question, examine, pump; poll, survey

Near Antonyms

rejoin, retort; comment, observe, remark; avoid, duck

Synonym Discussion of ASK

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>.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>.

Rhymes with ASK

bask, Basque, cask, casque, flask, mask, masque, Pasch, Rask, task