ask

verb

1》 say something in order to obtain an answer or information: I asked her what she meant.

    ↘(ask after or Scottish for) Brit. enquire about the well-being of.

2》 say to (someone) that one wants them to do or give something.

    ↘say that one wants permission to do something.

    ↘(ask for) say that one wants to speak to.

    ↘say that one wants (a specified amount) as a price for selling something.

3》 expect or demand (something) of someone: it's asking a lot, but could you look through Billy's things?

4》 invite to a social occasion.

    ↘(ask someone out) invite someone out on a date.

noun US the asking price of a financial security.

Phrases

a big ask informal a difficult demand to fulfil.

for the asking for little or no effort or cost.

I ask you! informal an exclamation of shock or disapproval.

Derivatives

asker noun

Origin

OE āscian, āhsian, āxian, of W. Gmc origin.