Ask: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ค
ask
[ษหsk ]
Definitions
inquire
To say something in order to obtain an answer or some information.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ask |
General use. Suitable for a wide range of situations, whether formal or informal, when you need information or assistance.
|
| inquire |
Formal use. Often used in professional or official contexts when seeking detailed or specific information.
|
| query |
Formal and technical use. Typically used when questioning the validity of something or asking for clarification, often in professional contexts or written communications.
|
| request |
Formal and polite use. Suitable when asking for something specific, especially in writing or in formal conversations.
|
Examples of usage
- She asked me to help her with the project.
- I asked the teacher for clarification on the assignment.
request
To say something in order to request something from someone.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ask |
General use for politely seeking information or permission.
|
| request |
Polite or formal use when asking for something, often used in official or professional settings.
|
| demand |
Used when forcefully asking for something with a sense of entitlement or authority. Often perceived as aggressive or assertive.
|
| beg |
Used when pleading or urgently asking for something, often with a sense of desperation or emotional intensity. It can have a negative connotation due to the desperation implied.
|
Examples of usage
- He asked for a glass of water.
- She asked him to pick up groceries on the way home.
inquiry
A question that you ask in order to get information.
Synonyms
investigation, query, question.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ask |
Use when you want to get information or make a request.
|
| question |
Use when you want to ask for information, often in a general sense.
|
| query |
Use when you have a specific question about something, often related to data, information systems, or customer service.
|
Examples of usage
- I have an inquiry about the new product.
- The customer made an inquiry about the pricing.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Old English 'ascian', which means to request or seek.
- In ancient times, asking was often considered a way of showing respect and humility, especially when seeking knowledge.
Cultural Context
- In many cultures, asking a question is a vital part of education and learning.
- Some cultures place a strong emphasis on the politeness of asking, often using indirect methods to make requests.
Psychology
- Research shows that people who ask for help are often perceived as more likable and approachable.
- Asking can actually improve social connections and build relationships because it shows trust and vulnerability.
Literature
- In literature, characters often 'ask' as a way to develop their roles or drive the plot forward.
- Famous literary quotes often involve asking, highlighting a character's struggles or desires.
Technology
- Search engines are designed to answer questions, reflecting the importance of asking in the digital age.
- Voice-activated devices are created to understand and respond to inquiries, showing how technology embraces the act of asking.
Translations
Translations of the word "ask" in other languages:
๐ต๐น perguntar
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเฅเคเคจเคพ (poochhna)
๐ฉ๐ช fragen
๐ฎ๐ฉ bertanya
๐บ๐ฆ ะทะฐะฟะธััะฒะฐัะธ
๐ต๐ฑ pytaฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ๅฐใญใ (tazuneru)
๐ซ๐ท demander
๐ช๐ธ preguntar
๐น๐ท sormak
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฌผ์ด๋ณด๋ค (mureoboda)
๐ธ๐ฆ ุณุฃู (sa'al)
๐จ๐ฟ ptรกt se
๐ธ๐ฐ pรฝtaลฅ sa
๐จ๐ณ ้ฎ (wรจn)
๐ธ๐ฎ vpraลกati
๐ฎ๐ธ spyrja
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัาฑัะฐั (sลซrau)
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแฎแแแ (ikitkheba)
๐ฆ๐ฟ soruลmaq
๐ฒ๐ฝ preguntar