The Spanish verb 'preguntar' (to ask) comes from the Latin verb 'percontari' meaning 'to inquire or investigate.' The Latin word was formed by combining two elements: the prefix 'per-' meaning 'through' and 'contus' meaning 'pole or rod' (specifically one used for measuring depth). The original metaphorical meaning likely came from the idea of using a pole to probe or sound the depth of water, which evolved to mean probing or investigating with questions.

While 'preguntar' is already one of the most basic and commonly used verbs in Spanish, you might encounter its noun form 'pregunta' (question) and related words like 'preguntón' (someone who asks too many questions).

While English doesn't have any common words directly related to 'preguntar', understanding its Latin root 'per-' (through) can help connect it to English words like 'permeate', 'persist', and 'perforate' - all of which involve the idea of going 'through' something. The 'contus' element is related to English words like 'punt' (as in punt pole) and 'contend' (originally meaning to thrust against).