ask

verb

• 1 [reporting verb] say something in order to obtain an answer or some information: [with clause]:he asked if she wanted coffee he asked whether his electric wheelchair would fit through their doors [with object]:people are always asking questions [with direct speech]:“How much further?” I asked [no object]:the old man asked about her job
• [no object] (ask around) talk to various people in order to find something out:there are fine meals to be had if you ask around
• [no object] (ask after) inquire about the health or well-being of:Mrs. Savage asked after Iris’s mother

• 2 [with object] request (someone) to do or give something:Mary asked her father for money [with object and infinitive]:I asked him to call the manager [no object]:don’t be afraid to ask for advice
• [with clause] request permission to do something:she asked if she could move in [with infinitive]:he asked to see the officer involved
• [no object] (ask for) request to speak to:when I arrived, I asked for Catherine
• request (a specified amount) as a price for selling something:he was asking $250 for the guitar
• expect or demand (something) of someone:it’s asking a lot, but could you look through Billy’s things?

• 3 [with object] invite (someone) to one’s home or a function:it’s about time we asked Pam to dinner
• (ask someone along) invite someone to join one on an outing:do you want to ask him along?
• (ask someone out) invite someone out socially, typically on a date.

noun

• 1a request, especially for a donation:it was an awkward ask for more funding

• 2the price at which an item, especially a financial security, is offered for sale: [as modifier]:ask prices for bonds