Main Entry:

ask

Pronunciation:

\ˈask, ˈäsk; dialect ˈaks\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

asked \ˈas(k)t, ˈäs(k)t, ˈask; dialect 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 verb1 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 verb1: to seek information2: 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>.