ask
(ăsk)
[Middle English asken, from Old English ācsian, āscian.]
verb: asked, ask·ing, asks.
transitive verb
- To put a question to: When we realized that we didn't know the answer, we asked the teacher.
- To seek an answer to: ask a question.
- To seek information about: asked directions.
- To make a request of: asked me for a loan.
- To make a request for. Often used with an infinitive or clause: ask a favor of a friend; asked to go along on the trip; asked that he be allowed to stay out late.
- To require or call for as a price or condition: asked ten dollars for the book.
- To expect or demand: ask too much of a child.
- To invite: asked them to dinner.
- Archaic To publish, as marriage banns.
intransitive verb
- To make inquiry; seek information.
- To make a request: asked for help.
idioms
- ask for it
- To persist in an action despite the likelihood that it will result in difficulty or punishment.
- ask out
- To invite (someone) to a social engagement.
derivatives
- asḱer
- noun
synonyms:
ask, question, inquire, query, interrogate, examine, quiz These verbs mean to seek information. Ask is the most neutral term: The coach asked me what was wrong. Question implies careful and continuous asking: The prosecutor questioned the witness in great detail. Inquire refers to a simple request for information: The committee will inquire how it can be of help. Query usually suggests settling a doubt: The proofreader queried the spelling of the word. Interrogate applies especially to official questioning: The detectives interrogated the suspects. Examine refers particularly to close and detailed questioning to ascertain a person's knowledge or qualifications: Only lawyers who have been examined and certified by the bar association are admitted to practice. Quiz denotes the informal examination of students: The teacher quizzed the pupils on the state capitals.
