request
rih-KWEHST
Request (verb) means to ask for something, often politely or formally. Example: “Guests may request a late checkout at the front desk.”
verb
1
To ask for something, often politely or formally.
"Guests may request a late checkout at the front desk."
"She requested that the meeting be rescheduled."
"I would like to request a window seat, please."
noun
1
A formal or polite ask for something.
"The library granted his request for an extension on the loan."
"At her request, we moved the party to Sunday afternoon."
"He made a polite request for a quieter table by the window."
How to use request
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo politely ask for something, or the act of asking.
When to use it
More formal and polite than a plain "ask."
Common pairings
make a request
grant a request
request permission
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Word forms
- Plural
- requests
- Third person singular
- requests
- Past tense
- requested
- Archaic forms
- requestest, requestedst, requesteth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Guests may _____ a late checkout at the front desk.
Etymology
From Old French requeste, ultimately from Latin requirere, "to seek, ask for" — the same root as "require."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for request
See all rhymes for request →Frequently asked questions
What does “request” mean?
The word “request” means to ask for something, often politely or formally. In plain terms, to politely ask for something, or the act of asking.
How do you pronounce “request”?
“Request” is pronounced rih-KWEHST (/ɹɪˈkwɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “request” in a sentence?
Here is “request” used in a sentence: “Guests may request a late checkout at the front desk.”
What is another word for “request”?
Words with a similar meaning to “request” include desire.
What part of speech is “request”?
Depending on how it is used, “request” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “request” come from?
The word “request” comes from Latin. From Old French requeste, ultimately from Latin requirere, "to seek, ask for" — the same root as "require.".
Is “request” a common word?
“Request” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “request” have?
“Request” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to ask for something, often politely or formally.
What is the difference between request and demand?
To request is to ask for something politely, leaving the other person room to say no. To demand is to insist forcefully, treating compliance as non-negotiable. A request is a courteous appeal; a demand carries pressure or authority behind it, so the tone is far firmer.
Is request formal or informal?
Request sits on the more formal, polite end of asking. In everyday speech people usually say ask, while request appears in official, business, or written contexts — requesting a refund, a meeting, or access. It signals respect and a degree of ceremony that plain asking does not.
What is an example of request used in a sentence?
You might say, 'She requested a copy of the report,' or 'Passengers are requested to remain seated.' In both cases, someone is politely or formally asking for something to be given or done, rather than simply making conversation or issuing a blunt command.
What is the difference between request and require?
To request is to ask for something, which the other side may grant or refuse. To require is to need or insist on something as a condition — it must happen. A form might request your name but require your signature before it can be processed.
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