The phrase “asked after” is commonly used in English language, but what does it actually mean? In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “asked after”, its origin, and its associations. We will also look at synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences to help you understand this phrase better.
Definitions
“Asked after” is a phrase that is used to inquire about someone’s well-being or to ask for news about someone. It can also be used to ask about someone’s whereabouts or to check if they are available to speak.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “asked after” can be traced back to the Old English word “ascian”, which means “to ask”. The word “after” was added later to form the phrase we use today.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “asked after” means “to inquire about the health or welfare of someone”. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “to inquire about the condition or whereabouts of someone”.
Associations
The phrase “asked after” is often associated with showing concern for someone’s well-being or expressing interest in their life. It can also be seen as a polite way of asking for news about someone without being too intrusive.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “asked after” include inquired about, checked on, and requested information about.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for “asked after”, but some phrases that could be considered opposites include “ignored” or “neglected”.
The same root words
The root word for “asked after” is “ask”, which also forms the basis for other related words such as “asked”, “asking”, and “asks”.
Example Sentences
- “I ran into John at the grocery store and asked after his wife, who had been sick.”
- “I called my friend to ask after her mother, who had just undergone surgery.”
- “When I saw my neighbor’s car wasn’t in the driveway, I asked after him to see if he was home.”
- “During the phone call, my boss asked after my progress on the project.”