Ask
/æsk/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo put a question to (someone); to inquire.
/æsk/
To request information or something.
She asked for a glass of water.
💡 Simply: To request or inquire about something.
More Examples
They asked me to leave.
How It's Used
"I asked him what time it was."
"May I ask a question?"
To make a request or demand of someone to do something.
/æsk/
To invite or request someone to do something.
He asked me to help him.
💡 Simply: To politely request someone to do something.
More Examples
They asked for donations.
How It's Used
"I asked her to dance."
Idioms & expressions
ask around
To inquire from various people.
"I asked around to see if anyone had seen my keys."
Old English *ascian, from Proto-Germanic *askjan, related to Old High German askan, Old Norse aska. Ultimately of uncertain origin, possibly related to words meaning 'to seek' or 'to try'.
The word 'ask' has maintained its core meaning of requesting information or something throughout history, although the formality of its usage has varied.
Memory tip
Think of 'a' question 'sked'