request

[ ri-kwest ]

noun

1. the act of asking for something to be given or done, especially as a favor or courtesy; solicitation or petition:

   At his request, they left.

   Synonyms: prayer, supplication, entreaty

2. an instance of this:

   There have been many requests for the product.

3. a written statement of petition:

   If you need supplies, send in a request.

4. something asked for:

   to obtain one's request.

5. the state of being asked for; demand.

verb (used with object)

1. to ask for, especially politely or formally:

   He requested permission to speak.

   Synonyms: supplicate, petition

2. to ask or beg; bid (usually followed by a clause or an infinitive):

   to request that he leave;

   to request to be excused.

3. to ask or beg (someone) to do something:

   He requested me to go.

   Synonyms: beseech, entreat

request

/ rɪˈkwɛst /

verb

1. to express a desire for, esp politely; ask for or demand

   to request a bottle of wine

noun

1. 1. the act or an instance of requesting, esp in the form of a written statement; petition or solicitation

      a request for a song

   2. ( as modifier )

      a request programme

2. at the request of
   at the request of in accordance with the specific demand or wish of (someone)
3. by request
   by request in accordance with someone's desire
4. in request
   in request in demand; popular

   he is in request in concert halls all over the world

5. on request
   on request on the occasion of a demand or request

   application forms are available on request

Derived Forms

• reˈquester, noun

Other Words From

• re·quester noun
• prere·quest noun verb (used with object)
• unre·quested adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of request¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English requeste (noun), from Old French, from Vulgar Latin requaesita (unrecorded) “things asked for,” noun use of neuter plural past participle of requaerere (unrecorded) “to seek” (literary Latin requīrere require ( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of request¹

C14: from Old French requeste , from Vulgar Latin requaerere (unattested) to seek after; see require , quest

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. by request, in response or accession to a request:

   The orchestra played numbers by request.

More idioms and phrases containing request

see at someone's request ; by request ; on request .

Synonym Study

See beg ¹.

Example Sentences

He no doubt had heard by then that some of the cops had ignored his request and turned their backs.

From The Daily Beast

Whatever happened overtook them both within a minute or so of that altitude change request, and they were never heard from again.

From The Daily Beast

Nickelodeon did not return a request for comment for this story.

From The Daily Beast

Normal procedure is that any member country can request that a document be circulated, and the UN does it pro-forma.

From The Daily Beast

Teague did not respond to an InsideClimate News request for comment.

From The Daily Beast

Before the outlaw can comply with this small request the horn sounds again.

From Project Gutenberg

The memory of him shall not depart away, and his name shall be in request from generation to generation.

From Project Gutenberg

Thinking it was a request for employment which he could not offer, Malcolm stuffed it carelessly into a pocket.

From Project Gutenberg

The merest acquaintance would have said something more emphatic than "I will, thank you; good-by," to such a request.

From Project Gutenberg

I was the dark complexioned man of the party, and as a “first-footer” in great request.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• appeal
• apply
• call for
• demand
• petition
• seek
• solicit
• sue