What does ask mean?
Ask is one of the most fundamental verbs in English, used to describe putting a question to someone in order to obtain information. Beyond simple questioning, it covers making requests ("ask for help"), inviting someone to act or attend ("ask her to join us"), and even demanding something as due, as when a price "asks too much." It is entirely neutral in tone, functioning equally well in casual conversation and formal writing, which makes it indispensable across registers. The word descends from Old English "acsian" and has cognates in other Germanic languages, reflecting its deep roots in the language. Common patterns include "ask a question," "ask around" (to canvass several people), and "ask after" someone's health. Because asking is the starting point of inquiry, negotiation, and invitation alike, this small verb sits at the heart of how people exchange information and make requests of one another every day.
To put a question to someone in order to obtain information.
"He asked the teacher what the assignment would cover."
To make a request or appeal to someone for something.
"They asked for a few extra days to finish the project."
To invite or call upon someone to do or be something.
"We asked our neighbors over for dinner on Friday."
(Informal, chiefly British) A question or request under discussion, especially one regarded as demanding or unreasonable.
"That's a big ask for a team of three."
The noun use is common in business and sporting contexts, especially in British and Australian English.
Used mainly in informal or business British English to refer to multiple questions or requests.
"The client sent over a list of asks before the meeting."
"Ask" comes from the same ancient root that gave Latin words like "inquire" — and its cousin "beacon" once shared its Germanic family tree through the verb "beseech."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ask
Ask derives from the Old English verbs "acsian" and "ascian," meaning to inquire or request, and is native to the Germanic branch of Indo-European rather than borrowed from Latin or French. Cognate forms appear in related West Germanic languages, such as German "heischen" (an archaic verb meaning to demand). The variant pronunciation "aks" heard in some dialects actually preserves an older metathesized form of the word found in Middle English.
Related word forms
How ask is actually used
"Ask" is neutral in register and works in both formal and informal contexts. In informal American English, some speakers say "aks," a variant with a long history rather than a modern error. Phrases like "ask after" (to inquire about someone's wellbeing) are somewhat formal or British-leaning.
Easily confused with ask
"Ax" is an axe-like tool (or, in some dialects, a variant pronunciation of "ask"), while "ask" is the standard verb meaning to inquire or request.