ask meaning and definition

ASK verb

Definition of ask (verb)

1. inquire about
   • "I asked about their special today"; "He had to ask directions several times"
   • synonyms: enquire, inquire
2. make a request or demand for something to somebody
   • "She asked him for a loan"
3. direct or put; seek an answer to
   • "ask a question"
4. consider obligatory; 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"
   • synonyms: expect, require
5. address a question to and expect an answer from
   • "Ask your teacher about trigonometry"; "The children asked me about their dead grandmother"
6. require as useful, just, or proper
   • "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"; "This intervention does not postulate a patient's consent"
   • synonyms: call for, demand, involve, necessitate, need, postulate, require, take
   • antonym: eliminate
7. require or ask for as a price or condition
   • "He is asking $200 for the table"; "The kidnappers are asking a million dollars in return for the release of their hostage"