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

He doesn’t actually understand the corporate world but treats it like a game, filling out forms, writing anodyne requests to lawyers and other middlemen, steadily accumulating positions in public companies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In a ruling published this week, Information Commissioner David Hamilton criticised the Scottish government for "failing to disclose some information" for the FOI request which it did not identify as being exempt.

Read more on BBC

The hearing was told that Richards had not returned a laptop he was provided, as requested, during an internal investigation.

Read more on BBC

Then in 2023, a notification popped up on Instagram: a friend request from Allen.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And is it impolite to Venmo request her for half the party supplies?

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

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