asking
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for asking, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of making a request or posing a question.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use asking
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English askinge, askande, from Old English āsciende, from Proto-West Germanic *aiskōndī, present participle of Proto-West Germanic *aiskōn (“to ask”), equivalent to ask + -ing.
Full origin of asking →Frequently asked questions
What does “asking” mean?
The word “asking” means the act of making a request or posing a question. In plain terms, the act of requesting something, or the price a seller names for it.
How do you pronounce “asking”?
“Asking” is pronounced AHS-kihng (/ˈæskɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “asking” in a sentence?
Here is “asking” used in a sentence: “Just for the asking, they gave us a discount.”
What part of speech is “asking”?
“Asking” is a noun.
Is “asking” a common word?
“Asking” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “asking” have?
“Asking” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of making a request or posing a question.
What does 'for the asking' mean?
The phrase 'for the asking' means something is available easily and freely: all you have to do is request it. If a job is yours 'for the asking', you can have it simply by asking, with no struggle or payment needed. It stresses how little effort the request requires.
What is an asking price?
An asking price is the amount a seller says they want for something, especially a house or a car. It is the starting figure, not necessarily the final one, and buyers often negotiate below it. The term comes from 'asking' in the sense of requesting: it is the price the seller is asking for.
What is the difference between asking and telling?
Asking is making a request or posing a question: you seek information or a response and leave the other person free to answer. Telling is giving information or an instruction: you state something or direct someone to act. Asking invites a reply; telling delivers one.