Is Ask.com a search engine or a web directory?

Ask.com is primarily recognized as a search engine, though it initially began as a question-and-answer service. Over the years, it evolved into a traditional search engine that allows users to formulate queries and retrieve information from the web. Although its function resembles that of a search engine, Ask.com set itself apart in the earlier days by emphasizing the question-and-answer aspect, inviting users to ask specific questions rather than input keywords. It employs algorithms to curate and display search results from various web pages, enhancing the user's experience by providing relevant information. While Ask.com does have some directory-like features, it is predominantly categorized as a search engine. For more information regarding its services, users may wish to explore the current Ask.com webpage.