require
rih-KWEYE-uh
Require (verb) means to need something as essential. Example: “Growing tomatoes indoors requires plenty of light and regular watering.”
verb
1
To need something as essential.
"Growing tomatoes indoors requires plenty of light and regular watering."
"The recipe requires two cups of flour."
"This job requires several years of experience."
2
To officially demand that someone do something.
"The school requires all students to hand in their phones before the exam begins."
"Visitors are required to sign in at the front desk when they arrive."
"The law requires drivers to wear seatbelts."
How to use require
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo need something, or to officially demand it.
Common pairings
require attention
legally required
require assistance
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- requires
- Past tense
- required
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Growing tomatoes indoors _____ plenty of light and regular watering.
Etymology
From Old French requerre, from Latin requiro, "to seek, ask for, need."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for require
See all rhymes for require →Frequently asked questions
What does “require” mean?
The word “require” means to need something as essential. In plain terms, to need something, or to officially demand it.
How do you pronounce “require”?
“Require” is pronounced rih-KWEYE-uh (/ɹɪˈkwaɪɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “require” in a sentence?
Here is “require” used in a sentence: “The recipe requires two cups of flour.”
What is another word for “require”?
Words with a similar meaning to “require” include ask, call for and exact.
What part of speech is “require”?
“Require” is a verb.
Where does the word “require” come from?
The word “require” comes from Latin. From Old French requerre, from Latin requiro, "to seek, ask for, need.".
Is “require” a common word?
“Require” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “require” have?
“Require” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to need something as essential.
What is the difference between require and need?
They are very close in meaning, and often interchangeable. 'Need' is the everyday word for something essential, used in all contexts. 'Require' is more formal and often stronger, carrying a sense of a rule, condition, or demand — as in 'visitors are required to sign in.' A plant needs water, but a law requires compliance.
What is the difference between require and request?
The two look similar but mean different things. To 'require' something is to need it as essential or to demand it — there is no real choice involved. To 'request' something is to politely ask for it, leaving the other person free to say no. A form may require your signature but request your feedback.
Is 'require' formal or informal?
'Require' leans formal. It is common in official, legal, and technical writing — instructions, contracts, and rules — where it sounds precise and authoritative. In casual conversation, most people simply say 'need' instead. Choosing 'require' gives a sentence a more serious, businesslike tone, which is why it appears so often in notices and policies.
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