ask

verb \ˈask, ˈäsk; dial ˈaks\

: to say or write something to someone as a way of gaining information : to request an answer to a question

: to tell someone in the form of a question that you want to be given something or that you want something to happen : to request something

: to invite (someone) to go somewhere or do something

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

Full Definition of ASK

transitive verb

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>

a : to make a request of <she asked her teacher for help>

b : to make a request for <she asked help from her teacher>

: to call for : require <a challenge that will ask much of us>

: to set as a price <asked $3000 for the car>

: invite

intransitive verb

: to seek information

: to make a request <asked for food>

: look —often used in the phrase ask for trouble

— ask·er noun

See ask defined for English-language learners

See ask defined for kids

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

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>.