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

They have now contacted police and requested the case be reviewed "in light of the substantial evidence and the continued impact" it is having on them.

Read more on BBC

Perry’s office didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Vantara and India's environment ministry did not respond to AFP requests for comment.

Read more on Barron's

After the Journal requested comment from Armstrong and his representatives, he posted on X that he is “excited to be an investor in Preventive!”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Robison said the chancellor's speech had "piled uncertainty on uncertainty" and that she had requested an "urgent meeting" where she would set out three tests.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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