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Meaning of ask in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /æsk/

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  1. Verb

    ask

    Etymology

    Old English āscian, āhsian, āxian, of West Germanic origin

    Definitions

    1. inquire about

    Examples

    • « I asked about their special today »
    • « He had to ask directions several times »
  2. 2. make a request or demand for something to somebody

    Examples

    • « She asked him for a loan »
  3. 3. direct or put

    Examples

    • « seek an answer to »
    • « ask a question »
  4. 4. consider obligatory

    Examples

    • « 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 »
  5. 5. require or ask for as a price or condition

    Examples

    • « He is asking $200 for the table »
    • « The kidnapers are asking a million dollars in return for the release of their hostage »
  6. 6. address a question to and expect an answer from

    Examples

    • « Ask your teacher about trigonometry »
    • « The children asked me about their dead grandmother »
  7. 7. require as useful, just, or proper

    Examples

    • « 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; »

    Antonyms

    • obviate
    • rid of
    • eliminate

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