ask a favor — to request someone to do something as a kindness or courtesy
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to request someone to do something as a kindness or courtesy
Pronunciation (IPA): /æsk ə ˈfeɪvər/
Example Sentences
- Can I ask a favor? Could you pretend to be my boyfriend when my ex shows up?
- I hate to ask a favor, but could you cover my shift tomorrow?
- Before I ask a favor, let me buy you dinner first.
ask a favor
NOUN[/æsk ə ˈfeɪvər/]
to request someone to do something as a kindness or courtesy
She had to ask a favor from her neighbor to borrow some sugar.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase 'ask a favor' combines Old English 'āscian' (to request or inquire) with Latin 'favorem' (goodwill, approval). This idiomatic expression emerged in the Middle Ages to convey a polite or deferential request for assistance.
Breakdown
ask (Old English āscian, meaning to request) + favor (Latin favorem, meaning goodwill or kindness). The phrase pairs a direct verb of requesting with a noun emphasizing the recipient's generosity in granting the request.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Can I ask a favor? Could you pretend to be my boyfriend when my ex shows up?”
“I hate to ask a favor, but could you cover my shift tomorrow?”
“Before I ask a favor, let me buy you dinner first.”
“She felt awkward asking a favor from someone she barely knew.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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