First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
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
1
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>
See ask defined for English-language learners
See ask defined for kids
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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
Related to ASK
- Synonyms
- catechize, grill, inquire (of), interrogate, query, question, quiz
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>.
ASKING Defined for Kids
ask
verb \ˈask\
askedask·ing
Definition of ASK for Kids
1
: to seek information by posing a question <She asked if I was worried.> <They asked about our trip.>
2
: to make a request <Did you ask for help?>
3
: to set as a price <I'm asking ten dollars for my skates.>
4
: invite 2 <I asked some friends to my party.>
5
: to behave as if seeking a result <You're asking for trouble.>
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