Asking definition |Dictionary.com

Related Searches

on Ask.com

sample letters asking for donations

sample letters asking companies for donations

sample letters soliciting donations

write a business letter asking for a donation

sample request for donation letters

creative date asking ideas

creative ways to ask someone to a dance

form letters requesting donations

writing letters asking for donations

cute ways to ask a guy to a dance

ways to ask girls out

ideas for asking to prom

Browse Nearby Entries

ask round

ask size

Ask, and it shall be...

asking

3 dictionary results for: Asking

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

ask   (āsk) Pronunciation Key
v.   asked, ask·ing, asks

v.   tr.

To put a question to: When we realized that we didn't know the answer, we asked the teacher.
To seek an answer to: ask a question.
To seek information about: asked directions.
1. To make a request of: asked me for a loan.
2. To make a request for. Often used with an infinitive or clause: ask a favor of a friend; asked to go along on the trip; asked that he be allowed to stay out late.
To require or call for as a price or condition: asked ten dollars for the book.
To expect or demand: ask too much of a child.
To invite: asked them to dinner.
Archaic To publish, as marriage banns.

v. intr.

To make inquiry; seek information.
To make a request: asked for help.

[Middle English asken, from Old English ācsian, āscian; see ais- in Indo-European roots.]

ask'er n.

Synonyms: These verbs mean to seek information. Ask is the most neutral term: The coach asked me what was wrong.
Question implies careful and continuous asking: The prosecutor questioned the witness in great detail.
Inquire refers to a simple request for information: The committee will inquire how it can be of help.
Query usually suggests settling a doubt: The proofreader queried the spelling of the word.
Interrogate applies especially to official questioning: The detectives interrogated the suspects.
Examine refers particularly to close and detailed questioning to ascertain a person's knowledge or qualifications: Only lawyers who have been examined and certified by the bar association are admitted to practice.
Quiz denotes the informal examination of students: The teacher quizzed the pupils on the state capitals.

(Download Now or Buy the Book)
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

CITE THIS SOURCE|PRINT