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Ask Very Common

Ask has 13 different meanings across 2 categories:

Verb · Proper Noun

Definitions
Noun
1

An act or instance of asking.

"The technician corrected the typo, noting that ASK stands for amplitude shift keying, not asking a question."

2

An eft; newt.

3

Initialism of amplitude shift keying.

In plain English: An ask is a request for something that someone else needs to give you.

"The engineer used ASK to transmit data over the fiber optic cable."

Usage: In everyday conversation, ASK is not used as a standalone noun; it is an acronym for Amplitude Shift Keying, a technical method of digital modulation. Do not use "ask" to refer to a request or question, as that function is reserved exclusively for the verb form.

Verb
1

make a request or demand for something to somebody

"She asked him for a loan"

ask
2

direct or put; seek an answer to

"ask a question"

ask
3

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"

4

address a question to and expect an answer from

"Ask your teacher about trigonometry"

"The children asked me about their dead grandmother"

"I inquired about their special today"

"He had to ask directions several times"

5

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"

6

make a date

"Has he asked you out yet?"

"He asekd me to a dance"

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"

ask
8

To request (information, or an answer to a question).

"After waiting for hours at the front desk, I finally asked the agent if my flight had been delayed."

In plain English: To ask is to say something directly to someone because you want them to do it or give you information.

"She asked him to help her move the furniture."

Usage: Use "ask" when you want someone to provide information, give permission, or make a request. It is often followed directly by the person being addressed or by the phrase "what," "how," or "if.

Proper Noun
1

The first male human, according to the Poetic Edda.

"My neighbor asked me to look after his dog while he was away."

2

A surname, from Swedish​.

Example Sentences
"The engineer used ASK to transmit data over the fiber optic cable." noun
"He decided to make one last ask before leaving town." noun
"She asked him to help her move the furniture." verb
Related Terms
question propose request answer please inquire query ask’d remuneration unbidden ask for lathe speer offer light enquire are you married where does this bus go do you have girlfriend aks appeal
Antonyms
Broader Terms (hypernyms)
Narrower Terms (hyponyms)

Origin

The word "ask" comes from Old English āscian, which traces back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to wish" or "request." It shares this ancient origin with related words in Germanic and Indo-Iranian languages that also express the idea of demanding or wanting something.

Rhyming Words
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