v.
- 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.
- 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.
- expect or demand (something) of someone:
it's asking a lot, but could you look through Billy's things?
- invite to a social occasion.
▸
(ask someone out)
invite someone out on a date.
n.
US the asking price of a financial security.
Phrase
- 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.
Derivative
Etymology
OE āscian, āhsian, āxian, of W. Gmc origin.