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. at the request of
   in accordance with the specific demand or wish of (someone)
3. by request
   in accordance with someone's desire
4. in request
   in demand; popular

   he is in request in concert halls all over the world

5. on request
   on the occasion of a demand or request

   application forms are available on request

Derived Forms

• reˈquester, noun

Other Words From

• re·quester noun
• prere·quest noun verb (used with object)
• unre·quested 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.

More idioms and phrases containing request

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

Synonym Study

See beg ¹.

Example Sentences

Neither promoter Goldenvoice nor representatives for each artist responded to requests for comment on the bill, but outlets including Rolling Stone have cited them as likely or confirmed performers.

From Los Angeles Times

In its summary, the commission said it was "largely satisfied with processes in place within departments to apply, consider and approve exception requests".

From BBC

Representatives from the Vatican, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran and Egypt did not respond to requests for comment.

From BBC

Many said their requests for refunds were met with silence or that refunds were promised but did not happen.

From BBC

Coppola specifically requested a classical love theme, “but geometric,” which Golijov interpreted as “an architectural theme that is just four notes, and then you can do whatever you want.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appeal
• apply
• call for
• demand
• petition
• seek
• solicit
• sue