Required: meaning, definitions and examples

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required

 

[ rɪˈkwaɪəd ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

needful

Having to be done because it is necessary or important, not because you want to.

Synonyms

compulsory, mandatory, necessary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
required

Typically used in official contexts, forms, instructions, or rules where something must be done or included.

  • A valid ID is required to enter the building.
  • Completion of the form is required before submission.
necessary

Generally used in everyday conversation to indicate that something is needed or essential, but without formal or official implications.

  • It is necessary to drink water every day.
  • Is it really necessary to bring your own food?
mandatory

Used in similar contexts to 'required' but often implies stricter enforcement and possible penalties for non-compliance.

  • It is mandatory to wear a seatbelt while driving.
  • Compliance with the new safety regulations is mandatory.
compulsory

Often used in educational, legal, or regulatory contexts where an action or process is not optional.

  • Wearing a uniform is compulsory in our school.
  • Attendance at this meeting is compulsory.

Examples of usage

  • It is required that all students wear a uniform.
  • Attendance is required at all meetings.
Context #2 | Verb

obligation

To need something or make something necessary.

Synonyms

demand, necessitate, obligate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
required

Used when something is needed or mandatory by rules, laws, or regulations.

  • A valid ID is required to enter the building.
  • You are required to finish the assignment by Friday.
necessitate

Used to indicate that something makes a process or action unavoidable or essential.

  • The project’s complexity will necessitate additional funding.
  • Heavy traffic might necessitate leaving the house earlier.
demand

Used when something is asked for aggressively or firmly, often implying a strong need or urgency.

  • The manager demanded an explanation for the delay.
  • She demanded to see the manager immediately.
obligate

Used when someone is bound by a duty, contract, or law to do something.

  • The contract obligates employees to give a month's notice before resigning.
  • We are obligated to report any suspicious activities.

Examples of usage

  • Students are required to pass an entrance exam.
  • She is required to work late on Fridays.

Translations

Translations of the word "required" in other languages:

🇵🇹 necessário

🇮🇳 आवश्यक

🇩🇪 erforderlich

🇮🇩 diperlukan

🇺🇦 потрібний

🇵🇱 wymagany

🇯🇵 必要

🇫🇷 nécessaire

🇪🇸 necesario

🇹🇷 gerekli

🇰🇷 필요한

🇸🇦 ضروري

🇨🇿 potřebný

🇸🇰 potrebný

🇨🇳 需要

🇸🇮 potreben

🇮🇸 nauðsynlegur

🇰🇿 қажетті

🇬🇪 საჭირო

🇦🇿 lazım

🇲🇽 necesario

Etymology

The word 'required' originated from the Old French word 'requerre', meaning 'to seek, ask for'. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify something that is necessary or obligatory. The usage of 'required' has been prevalent in the English language since the 14th century.

See also: require, requirement, requirements, requisition.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #206, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.