DictionaryAI

asking

ASK-ing/ˈæskɪŋ/UKAHSK-ing/ˈɑːskɪŋ/

Noun pluralaskings (some meanings)

5 meanings of asking

Practice

  1. 1
    verb
    Present participle of ask. Use this form for something happening now, often after "is" or "was."

    She was asking for directions when I walked up.

    The kids kept asking about the trip all weekend.

    Note
  2. 2
    noununcountable
    The act of putting a question to someone or making a request.

    Like raising your hand when you want a turn to speak.

    The asking of so many questions made her nervous.

    He got the help he needed just for the asking.

    Similarrequest

    Note
  3. 3
    adjective
    Showing that someone wants an answer or a favor.

    She gave me an asking look, hoping I would help.

    He had an asking expression, like he needed something.

    Similarquestioning, inquiring, quizzical

    Note
  4. 4
    nouncountable or uncountableplural
    The announcement made in church that two people plan to get married.

    Their askings were read out in church three Sundays in a row.

    Before they could pick a wedding date, they went to see the priest about their askings.

    Similarbanns

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 5
    nounrarecountable
    A request or appeal for something.

    The asking was modest: just a place to stay for the night.

    After many askings, pleadings, and episodes, all leading to nothing, she finally slumped down at the side of a well in a village where she was unknown.
    2005, Beth Miller, The Woman's Book of Resilience: 12 Qualities to CultivateHere, askings means requests, times she asked for something.

    Similarrequest, plea, petition, appeal

    Note

asking is a form of ask

ask, verb: To say or write a question to someone because you want to know something. Full entry

Forms
askasks he/she/itasking -ing formasked past tense, past participle
Spelling
ask → asking: add -ing

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of asking apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origins

Meanings 1, 3

The '-ing' form of the verb 'ask', which goes back to Old English.

Meanings 2, 4–5

A noun form of 'ask' meaning a question or inquiry, from Old English.