ask

Formsasks, asking, asked

Pluralasks

1. 1
   verbtransitive or intransitive

   To say or write a question to someone because you want to know something.

   I asked her age and she laughed.

   If you don't know, just ask.

   UsageWhen reporting a question, keep normal order: I asked where she lived.

   Similarinquire, question, query

   Oppositeanswer

2. 2
   request actionverbtransitive

   To tell someone you would like them to do something or give you something.

   Can I ask you to close the window?

   He asked his dad for some money.

   UsageSay ask someone to do something: she asked me to help.

   Similarrequest, beg

3. 3
   verbtransitive

   To say you want to be allowed to do something.

   She asked to see the doctor at once.

   Did you ask to borrow the car?

   UsageSay ask to do something: ask to go home.

   Similarrequest

4. 4
   inviteverbtransitive

   To invite someone to come along.

   Let's ask our new neighbors to dinner on Saturday.

   She asked the whole class to her party.

   UsageSay ask someone to a party. Ask someone out means ask them on a date.

   Similarinvite

5. 5
   requireverbtransitive

   To want or expect something from someone, such as a price or effort.

   The seller is asking two thousand dollars for that old car.

   They ask too much of their staff.

   UsageAsk a lot of someone means expect a lot from them.

   Similardemand, require, expect

   Note

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