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ask out (for a date) — to invite someone on a romantic date

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to invite someone on a romantic date

Pronunciation (IPA): /æsk aʊt/

Example Sentences

  • Tom spent three weeks practicing how to ask Sarah out in front of his mirror.
  • She was shocked when her shy classmate asked her out via a singing telegram.
  • I want to ask her out, but I'm afraid she might say no.

ask out (for a date)

VERB

[/æsk aʊt/]

to invite someone on a romantic date

He nervously tried to ask her out for a date after class on Friday.
💡 Concept

He nervously tried to ask her out for a date after class on Friday.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/æsk aʊt/
🇬🇧 UK/ɑːsk aʊt/

🌳Etymology

Rootask
Suffix-out

Origin

This phrasal verb developed from the combination of Old English āscian (to ask, request) and Old English ūt (out, away). The expression evolved from its literal sense of 'request to go out' to the specialized meaning of inviting someone on a romantic date.

Breakdown

ask (Old English āscian, meaning to request or inquire) + out (Old English ūt, meaning away or outside), combining to form a phrasal verb meaning to invite someone out for a romantic date.

🎵Rhyme

speak outwork outbreak out
speak out
work out
break out

🔗Collocations

ask someone out
ask out on a date
finally ask out
nervously ask out
gather courage to ask out
ask out for dinner

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“Tom spent three weeks practicing how to ask Sarah out in front of his mirror.”

😄 Fun example

“She was shocked when her shy classmate asked her out via a singing telegram.”

“I want to ask her out, but I'm afraid she might say no.”

😄 Fun example

“He asked me out through a PowerPoint presentation with 47 slides.”

📚Related Words

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