WordGarden.iorequire
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪkwˈaɪə/
US
- /ˌriˈkwaɪər/
Meanings
Verb
to need something or for something to be necessary
to make something obligatory under a rule, policy, condition, or authority
to insist that someone provide or do something
More meaningsFewer meanings
to load or import a module, file, or dependency in code
Beyond the definition
To require something means that it is necessary, like air to breathe or a key to open a door. A job posting might ask for five years of experience, which means you may not be considered without it. Some tasks simply need time and effort. If your garden is full of weeds, it will need careful work. Think of the word as pointing to something that must be there or must be done. A person may need help with a hard task, and a recipe may need certain ingredients to come out well.
The word "require" points to necessity: something is needed for another thing to happen, work, or be complete. It is stronger than simply wanting something. It refers to what must be present or what must be done. For example, "All citizens are required by law to pay taxes" shows a legal duty, not a choice.
"Require" can also describe the skills, qualities, or conditions needed for a particular role or result. A lifeguard position might require strong swimming ability and CPR certification. These are not just preferred; they are essential. You could also say, "This project requires careful planning," meaning the project is not likely to succeed without it.
The word is also used for basic needs in everyday life. A plant requires sunlight and water to grow well, and people require food, rest, and human connection.
Context matters. Sometimes the need comes from an outside rule, such as a law, a school policy, or a job description. Sometimes it comes from the nature of the thing itself, such as a plant needing light or a machine needing power. So when something requires attention, action, or certain conditions, the idea is that it is necessary, not optional.
Examples
- 1
Work demands
This job requires a lot of patience.
- 2
Plant care
Some plants require very little water.
- 3
Forms
The form requires your full name and date of birth.
- 4
School rules
The school requires students to wear an ID badge.
- Patternrequire someone to do something
say that they must do it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Entrance rules
All visitors are required to show ID at the entrance.
- Patternbe required to
must because of a rule
- 6
Planning
The situation may require us to delay the launch.
- 7
Contract rules
The contract requires that any changes be approved in writing.
- Grammarrequire that + subject + be
a formal pattern often used in rules and contracts
- 8
Job ads
No experience required.
- UsageNo experience required
common in ads; you do not need previous experience
- 9
Formal writing
If you require further information, please contact the office.
- Usage
require can sound formal in polite written English
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- make optional
- allow
Used with (collocations)
- require approval
- require evidence
- require someone to do something
- required by law
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- requireverb
Forms
- requiredpast tenseverb
- requiresverb
- requiring-ing formverb