Asking after is a phrase that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is a polite way of inquiring about someone’s well-being or status. This phrase is often used to show concern for someone or to express interest in their life. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of asking after, as well as its associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Asking after is a phrase that means to inquire about the well-being or status of someone. It is a polite way of asking how someone is doing or what they have been up to. This phrase is often used in casual conversations or when catching up with someone after a period of time.
Origin
The origin of asking after is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the English language. It is a common phrase that has been used for many years in everyday conversations. The phrase is often used as a way of showing concern for someone or expressing interest in their life.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, asking after means “to inquire about the health or well-being of someone.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to ask about the condition or whereabouts of someone.” Collins Dictionary defines it as “to inquire about someone’s health or welfare.”
Associations
Asking after is often associated with politeness, concern, and interest. It is a way of showing that you care about someone and want to know how they are doing. This phrase is also associated with casual conversations and catching up with friends and family.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of asking after include inquiring about, checking on, and following up with. These phrases are often used interchangeably with asking after and have similar meanings.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of asking after, but some opposite phrases include ignoring, neglecting, and disregarding someone’s well-being or status.
The same root words
The same root words for asking after include ask, inquire, and question. These words are often used interchangeably with asking after and have similar meanings.
Example Sentences
- “I saw your sister the other day, and I asked after you. How have you been?”.
- “I called to ask after your mom. Is she feeling better?”.
- “Thank you for asking after me. I’m doing well, how about you?”.
- “I haven’t seen you in a while. Can you ask after your brother for me?”.
- “I wanted to check on you and ask after your job search. Have you found anything yet?”.