Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
       

ask

 
pronunciation:
aesk
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
phrases:
ask around, ask out
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: asks, asking, asked
definition 1: to put a question to (someone).
The students get confused on certain points, but they are hesitant to ask the professor during the lectures.
synonyms:
inquire of, query, question
similar words:
cross-examine, grill, interrogate, quiz
definition 2: to request an answer to.
Please ask questions if there is anything you don't understand.I asked him a question, but he didn't answer.[verb + object + object ]
definition 3: to pose a question in order to find out (something).
She asked why he was angry.[verb + WH/whether/if + clause ] The police officer asked where he was going.[verb + WH/whether/if + clause ] The movers asked where to put the couch.[verb + WH/whether + infinitive ] She asked me how to use the washing machine.[verb + smby + WH/whether + infinitive ] They asked if there were any tickets left.[verb + WH/whether/if + clause ] He asked her whether she was coming to the meeting or not.[verb + smby + WH/whether/if + clause ] The child asked if she could stay overnight with her friend.[verb + WH/whether/if + clause ]
synonyms:
inquire
definition 4: to request knowledge of (something).
She approached me and asked the time.The man asked the way to the post office.I asked the salesclerk the price of the watch.[verb + object + object ]
synonyms:
inquire
definition 5: to make a request of (someone).
He asked his father for money.I asked her to come a little early.[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ] She asked him not to smoke in the house.[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ]
similar words:
beg, beseech, bid, command, direct, entreat, implore, order, petition, request, solicit, supplicate, tell, urge, woo
definition 6: to request (something).
We ask your patience in this matter.May I ask a favor of you?They asked that their father be moved to a private room in the hospital.[verb + (that) + subjunctive clause ] She asked to see the menu.[verb + infinitive ] The child asked to be excused from the table.[verb + infinitive ]
synonyms:
request
definition 7: to demand or expect.
All I ask is a little respect.I can't believe how much rent they are asking for that tiny apartment!I ask very little of you, but still you refuse to do this one small thing.
synonyms:
demand, require
similar words:
call for, expect, insist on
definition 8: to invite.
He asked me to the movies.
synonyms:
invite
similar words:
call, solicit, summon
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to question; inquire.
She asked about her job application.
synonyms:
inquire
similar words:
question, see, wonder
definition 2: to make a request.
He asked for some water.
synonyms:
request
similar words:
petition, seek, solicit
definition 3: to direct or demand.
You must do as he asks.
synonyms:
bid, demand, direct, instruct
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: ask around, ask out
derivation: asked (adj.)