ask

[æsk]

ask Definition

• 1. to say or write something to someone because you want them to give you information, help, advice, etc.
• 2. to request something from someone, especially in a polite or formal way
• 3. to invite someone to do something or go somewhere

Using ask: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ask" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I need to ask you a question.

• Example

  Can I ask for your help?

• Example

  She asked me to come to her party.

• Example

  He asked her out on a date.

ask Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for ask

• inquire
• query
• request
• solicit

Antonyms for ask

• answer
• reply

Phrases with ask

• ask around

  to ask many people in order to get information or help

  Example

  I asked around but no one knows where the meeting is.

• ask for trouble

  to behave in a way that is likely to cause problems or difficulties

  Example

  If you don't study for the exam, you're asking for trouble.

• ask for someone's hand in marriage

  to propose marriage to someone

  Example

  He asked for her hand in marriage and she said yes.

Origins of ask

from Old English 'ascian'

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Summary: ask in Brief

To 'ask' [æsk] is to request information, help, advice, or something else from someone. It can also mean to invite someone to do something or go somewhere. Phrases like 'ask around' and 'ask for trouble' use 'ask' to denote seeking information or causing problems, respectively. 'Ask for someone's hand in marriage' means to propose marriage.