asking
v. · n. · adj.-
1 posing a question (v.) A1 Beginnerthe action of putting a question to someone to get information.
the present participle of 'ask', used in progressive tenses to indicate the act of questioning or requesting.
ExampleShe is asking the teacher for help with her math homework.
ExampleThe journalists were persistently asking the spokesperson about the sudden shift in policy during the morning press conference.
Usageoften followed by 'for' when requesting an object or 'about' when seeking information.
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2 the act of requesting (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe process of making a request or a demand.
the act or process of making a request, often used as a gerund.
ExampleThe job is yours for the asking if you really want it.
ExampleSuccess in this industry is rarely just for the asking; it requires years of networking and significant financial investment.
Usageoften appears in the phrase 'for the asking', meaning available if requested.
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3 expressing a question (adj.) C1 Advanced Literaryshowing that you are waiting for an answer or want to know something.
describing a look, tone, or gesture that expresses a question or a request for information.
ExampleHe gave her an asking look when she stopped talking suddenly.
ExampleShe turned toward him with an asking expression, silently prompting him to explain the discrepancy in the financial reports.
Usageusually placed before the noun it describes.
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.
From Middle English asking, askyng, askynge, from Old English āscung (“asking; question; inquiry”), from Proto-West Germanic *aiskungu, equivalent to ask + -ing.