ask meaning

ask as a verb

1. make a request or demand for something to somebody
   • She asked him for a loan

   Type of: request

   Kinds: request, solicit

2. direct or put; seek an answer to
   • ask a question

   Type of: give voice

   Related forms: asker

3. consider obligatory; request and expect
   • We require our secretary to be on time
   • Aren't we asking too much of these children?
   • I expect my students to arrive in time for their lessons

   Synonyms: require, expect

   Type of: demand

   Kinds: call

4. address a question to and expect an answer from
   • Ask your teacher about trigonometry
   • The children asked me about their dead grandmother
   • I inquired about their special today
   • He had to ask directions several times

   Synonyms: inquire, enquire

   Type of: communicate

   Kinds: pry, question, interrogate, consult

   Related forms: asker

5. require as useful, just, or proper
   • It takes nerve to do what she did
   • success usually requires hard work
   • This job asks a lot of patience and skill
   • This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice
   • This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert
   • This intervention does not postulate a patient's consent

   Synonyms: necessitate, postulate, need, require, take, involve, call for, demand

   Kinds: claim, govern, draw, cost, cry out for, compel

6. make a date
   • Has he asked you out yet?
   • He asekd me to a dance

   Synonyms: ask out, invite out, take out

   Type of: request

7. require or ask for as a price or condition
   • He is asking $200 for the table
   • The kidnappers are asking a million dollars in return for the release of their hostage

   Type of: demand

How to pronounce ask

ask is pronounced /ɑːsk/ in British English and /æsk/ in American English. It has 1 syllable.