ask
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /æsk/
KK: /æsk/
intransitive verb
Definition
To make a request or seek information from someone.
Example
I will ask my teacher for help with my homework.
Tense Forms
Past: asked
Past Participle: asked
Conversation
I wanted to ask you if you’ve seen my keys anywhere.
No, I haven’t. Have you checked the kitchen?
Good idea! I’ll go ask my roommate if she has seen them.
Yeah, she might know where they are.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
inquire
question
request
Antonyms
answer
respond
reply
transitive verb
Definition
To make a request for something or to inquire about something.
Example
She decided to ask her teacher for help with the assignment.
Tense Forms
Past: asked
Past Participle: asked
Conversation
Hey, do you think I should ask her out this weekend?
Absolutely! You’ve been talking about her for weeks now.
Yeah, but what if she says no?
Root Explanation
The word 'ask' originates from Old English 'ascian', meaning to request or inquire. It has Germanic roots, related to the Old High German 'askōn' and the Old Norse 'ǫskja', both meaning to ask or request.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word 'ascian' which means to request something — that's why 'ask' means to make a request.
Visually Confused Words
task
mask
lask
hask
cask
bask
asok
asak