[ask] vb asked ; ask.ing [ME, fr. OE ascian; akin to OHG eiscon to ask, Lith eiskoti to seek, Skt icchati he seeks] vt (bef. 12c) 1 a: to call on for an answer b: to put a question about c: speak, utter "~ a question"
2. a: to make a request of "she ~ed her teacher for help" b: to make a request for "she ~ed help from her teacher"
3: to call for: require
4: to set as a price "~ed $3000 for the car"
5: invite ~ vi 1: to seek information
2: to make a request "~ed for food"
3: look--often used in the phrase ask for trouble -- ask.er n syn ask, question, interrogate, query, inquire mean to address a person in order to gain information. ask implies no more than the putting of a question "ask for directions". question usu. suggests the asking of series of questions "questioned them about every detail of the trip". interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning "the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day". query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation "queried a librarian about the book". inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions "began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue". syn ask, request, solicit mean to seek to obtain by making one's wants known. ask implies no more than the statement of the desire "ask a favor of a friend". request implies greater formality and courtesy "requests the pleasure of your company". solicit suggests a calling attention to one's wants or desires by public announcement or advertisement "a letter soliciting information".