request

American  

[ri-kwest] / rɪˈkwɛst /

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.

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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

idioms

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

   The orchestra played numbers by request.

request British  

/ rɪˈkwɛst /

verb

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

   to request a bottle of wine

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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. in accordance with the specific demand or wish of (someone)

3. in accordance with someone's desire

4. in demand; popular

   he is in request in concert halls all over the world

5. on the occasion of a demand or request

   application forms are available on request

request More Idioms  

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

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Related Words

See beg ¹.

Other Word Forms

• prerequest noun
• requester noun
• unrequested adjective

Etymology

Origin of request

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. ) )

Example Sentences

Hale did not respond to a request for comment.

From Los Angeles Times

Weiss insisted Alfonsi’s story needed more reporting including an interview with an administration official, even though the White House had already declined requests to participate.

From Los Angeles Times

Because Wednesday is the deadline to request measures for the June 2 municipal ballot, the council’s action effectively means the proposal wouldn’t be available until the November election at the earliest.

From Los Angeles Times

The presidency traditionally goes to a Kurd, and the official INA press agency said that the two main Kurdish parties had requested more time to come to a consensus on a candidate.

From Barron's

The Pentagon has not yet responded to requests for comment.

From BBC

Related Words

• appeal
• application
• call
• demand
• desire
• inquiry
• invitation
• offer
• suit