Ask — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈask/

Meaning & Definition of Ask

Ask (verb)

  1. to call on for an answer
  2. to put a question about
  3. speak, utter

Ask (noun)

  1. something asked for, requested, or required of someone —used especially in phrases like a big ask and a tough ask to say that what is being asked for or hoped for is difficult or unlikely

Ask (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to put a question or questions to

    "my coworkers asked me all about my trip to Machu Picchu"

    similar: catechize, grill, inquire (of), interrogate, query, question, quiz
    related: besiege, bombard, cross-examine, cross-question, examine, pump, poll, survey
    opposite: answer, reply, respond
    near: rejoin, retort, comment, observe, remark, avoid, duck

  2. to make a request of

    "ask the salesclerk for assistance"

    similar: hit (up), request, solicit, call on
    related: appeal (to), beg, beseech, conjure, entreat, implore, importune, invite, invoke, petition, plead (to), pray, supplicate, demand, enjoin, exact, press, require
    near: coerce, compel, constrain, force, oblige, require

  3. to set or receive as a price

    "they are only asking $300 for that antique grandfather clock"

    similar: charge, command, demand
    related: overcharge, undercharge, bring, fetch, sell (for), discount, mark down, mark up, assess, bill, invoice, price, value

  4. to request the presence or participation of

    "a fixture on the party circuit, that couple is always asking people over for dinner"

    similar: bid, invite
    related: solicit, beckon, call, summon

Related Entry: Ask (for) (verb)

Ask (for) is a different word from Ask. The synonyms below are for ask (for), not for ask.

  1. to make a request for

    "don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it"

    similar: bespeak, call (for), desire, plead (for), quest, request, seek, solicit, speak (for), sue (for)
    related: apply (for), beg (for), claim, clamor (for), importune, urge, wish (for), demand, enjoin, exact, insist (on), petition (for), press (for), require, requisition, invite, invoke

  2. to act so as to make (something) more likely

    "you are asking for trouble if you invite her ex to the wedding"

    similar: court, flirt (with), invite, woo, look for
    related: angle (for), fish (for), hunt, search, seek, provoke, tempt

  3. to give a request or demand for

    "the surgeon asked for the scalpel"

    similar: order, put in (for), request, requisition, call for
    related: commission, solicit, charter, hire, license

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Ask

The most common words with a similar meaning to Ask:

catechize, grill, inquire (of), interrogate, query, question, quiz, hit (up), request, solicit, charge, command, demand, bid, invite, call on

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Ask

Words with the opposite meaning of Ask:

answer, reply, respond

Related Words for Ask

besiege, bombard, cross-examine, cross-question, examine, pump, poll, survey, appeal (to), beg, beseech, conjure, entreat, implore, importune, invoke, petition, plead (to), pray, supplicate, enjoin, exact, press, require, overcharge, undercharge, bring, fetch, sell (for), discount

Near Antonyms of Ask

rejoin, retort, comment, observe, remark, avoid, duck, coerce, compel, constrain, force, oblige, require

Word Forms of Ask

Inflections: asked, asking

Derived words: asker (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Ask

Middle English, from Old English āscian; akin to Old High German eiscōn to ask, Lithuanian ieškoti to seek, Sanskrit icchati he seeks

First known use: before 12th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Ask

Words & Phrases Containing Ask

ask for it, ask for trouble, ask after, ask around, ask for, ask for the moon, ask oneself, ask someone out

Frequently Asked Questions about Ask

What does "Ask" mean?

"Ask" means to call on for an answer. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to call on for an answer. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Ask"?

Other words for "Ask" include catechize, grill, inquire (of), interrogate, query, question, quiz and hit (up). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Ask" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Ask"?

There are 56 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Ask". Common alternatives include catechize, grill, inquire (of), interrogate, query, question, quiz, hit (up), request and solicit.

What is the opposite of "Ask"?

Antonyms of "Ask" include answer, reply and respond. Near antonyms include rejoin, retort, comment and observe.

How do you use "Ask" in a sentence?

Examples of "Ask" in a sentence: "my coworkers asked me all about my trip to Machu Picchu"; "ask the salesclerk for assistance"; "they are only asking $300 for that antique grandfather clock".

Is "Ask" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Ask" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Ask" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Ask" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Ask"?

"Ask" is pronounced /ˈask/.