Require: meaning, definitions and examples
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require
[ rɪˈkwaɪə ]
formal
to demand or stipulate as a condition for agreement; to need something in order to be successful or effective
Synonyms
call for, demand, necessitate, need.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| require |
Use in formal contexts or to indicate something essential or obligatory.
|
| demand |
Typically used in more forceful or insistent situations, where there is a high expectation or urgency. It often has a more aggressive tone.
|
| need |
Used in everyday conversation to express something essential or important for a person or situation.
|
| necessitate |
Highly formal term indicating that something makes an action or condition absolutely necessary.
|
| call for |
Used to indicate something necessary for a specific situation or action, often implying urgency or importance.
|
Examples of usage
- Students are required to attend all classes.
- A minimum of two years' experience is required for this job.
- Applicants are required to submit a written statement.
- She required medical attention immediately.
- The project requires a significant amount of funding.
formal
to make it necessary for someone to do something
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| require |
Use 'require' when referring to a necessity or necessity by law, rule, or nature. It is neutral in connotation.
|
| compel |
Use 'compel' when referring to driving someone to do something because of a strong force, often moral or emotional. It can have a strong connotation.
|
| obligate |
Use 'obligate' in formal or legal contexts to refer to duties or responsibilities imposed by law, contract, or moral mandate. This term has a formal tone.
|
| force |
Use 'force' when someone is made to do something against their will, often involving physical power or authority. This word often has a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- Your presence is required at the meeting.
- She was required to provide identification before entering the building.
- The law requires drivers to wear seatbelts.
formal
something that is necessary for a particular purpose
Synonyms
condition, necessity, prerequisite.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| require |
Used when something is needed or essential.
|
| necessity |
Used when something is absolutely essential, often in a broader or more abstract sense.
|
| prerequisite |
Used when something is required as a prior condition before something else can happen or be accomplished.
|
| condition |
Used to describe a stipulation or requirement that must be met.
|
Examples of usage
- Education is a basic requirement for success.
- Meeting the deadline is a key requirement for this project.
Translations
Translations of the word "require" in other languages:
🇵🇹 requerer
🇮🇳 आवश्यकता होना
🇩🇪 erfordern
🇮🇩 memerlukan
🇺🇦 вимагати
🇵🇱 wymagać
🇯🇵 要求する (ようきゅうする)
🇫🇷 requérir
🇪🇸 requerir
🇹🇷 gerektirmek
🇰🇷 필요로 하다
🇸🇦 يتطلب
🇨🇿 vyžadovat
🇸🇰 požadovať
🇨🇳 要求 (yāoqiú)
🇸🇮 zahtevati
🇮🇸 krefjast
🇰🇿 талап ету
🇬🇪 მოითხოვს
🇦🇿 tələb etmək
🇲🇽 requerir
Etymology
The word 'require' originated from the Latin word 'requirere', which means 'to seek'. Over time, the meaning of 'require' evolved to signify the need for something or someone to fulfill a condition or obligation. The term has been used in various contexts, from formal agreements to everyday necessities. 'Require' is a versatile word that continues to be an essential part of the English language.
See also: required, requirement, requirements, requisition.