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. 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

Other Word Forms

• requester noun
• prerequest noun
• unrequested 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.

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

Synonym Study

See beg ¹.

Example Sentences

In 2021, the Department of the Navy issued a request for information to seek feedback on hosting “critical energy and water infrastructure resiliency projects” on a portion of Camp Pendleton.

From Los Angeles Times

This account is based on text messages and emails ProPublica obtained through public records requests.

From Salon

"While the UK will almost certainly push for extradition, it remains to be seen whether such a request will be granted," she said.

From BBC

The coroner has been notified and the services of the Office of the State Pathologist have been requested.

From BBC

It is not known whether this was requested in this instance.

From BBC

Related Words

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