Request Meaning
/ɹɪˈkwɛst/Definition, CEFR level A2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo ask for (something).
verbTo ask (somebody) to do something.
Sentence Examples
You should have refused his request flatly.
With reference to your request, I will support.
An employer is legally bound to give due consideration to the request.
CEFR Practice Quiz
He made a polite ____ for a full refund and the store quickly agreed.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She submitted a formal ____ for additional funding to support the expansion of the research program.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English request, from Old French requeste (French requête), from Vulgar Latin *requaesita, from Latin requīsīta, feminine of requīsītus (“requested, demanded”), past participle of requīrō (“require, ask”), composed of re- + quaerō (“to seek, look for”), of uncertain origin, but possibly from Proto-Italic *kʷaizeō, from Proto-Indo-European *kʷeh₂- (“to acquire”). Compare to French requérir.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Copies of records of Spear's long-distance telephone calls (which had been requested by Norfolk County police from the telephone company)"
— 1979 December 29, Mitzel, “Dale Barbre's Murder & Related Matters”, in Gay Community News, volume 7, number 23, page 6:
"I will marry her, sir, at your request."
— c. 1597 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merry Wiues of Windsor”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene i]:
"The promise that arises upon an account stated, is to pay on request."
— 1839, The Law Journal for the Year 1832-1949: Comprising Reports:
"I do not doubt, but many Great and more Noble Uſes would have been made of ſuch Conqueſts or Diſcoveries, if they had fallen to the ſhare of the Greeks and Romans in thoſe Ages, when Knowledge and Fame were in as great Requeſt, as endleſs Gains and Wealth are among us now; [...]"
— 1690, William Temple, Miscellanea. The Second Part. […], London: […] T. M. for Ri[chard] and Ra[lph] Simpson, […], →OCLC, page 49:
"He gave them their request."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Psalms 106:15:
Explore More A2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
He made a polite ____ for a full refund and the store quickly agreed.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She submitted a formal ____ for additional funding to support the expansion of the research program.