Meaning & Definition of word "Ask"
to
Ask
/ask/
verb:
- 1. to request information or an answer to a question.
- Example: Please ask the teacher if we have homework tonight.
- 2. to make a request for someone to do something.
- Example: I will ask my friend to help me move this weekend.
- 3. to seek an answer, permission, or a favor.
- Example: She decided to ask for a raise after her successful project.
- 4. to inquire about; to seek information.
- Example: He asked about the train schedule to plan his trip.
- 5. to demand or require something of someone.
- Example: The job asks a lot of dedication from its employees.
Etymology
Middle English 'asken', from Old English 'ascian'; related to Dutch 'vragen' and German 'fragen'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
ask for it:
To do something that is likely to result in trouble or punishment.
ask around:
To inquire among various people.
ask after:
To inquire about someone's health or well-being.
Related Words
question:
A sentence or phrase used to inquire about something.
request:
An act of asking formally or politely for something.
inquire:
To seek information by asking.
Slang Meanings of ask
Meaning: To beg or plead for something.
Example Sentence: He had to ask hard for his job back.
Meaning: To offer oneself as a source of aid.
Example Sentence: Don't be shy to ask; we're all friends here.