require verb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

Definition of require verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

require

verb
 
/rɪˈkwaɪə(r)/
 
/rɪˈkwaɪər/
not usually used in the progressive tenses (formal)
Verb Forms
present simple I / you / we / they require
 
/rɪˈkwaɪə(r)/
 
/rɪˈkwaɪər/
he / she / it requires
 
/rɪˈkwaɪəz/
 
/rɪˈkwaɪərz/
past simple required
 
/rɪˈkwaɪəd/
 
/rɪˈkwaɪərd/
past participle required
 
/rɪˈkwaɪəd/
 
/rɪˈkwaɪərd/
-ing form requiring
 
/rɪˈkwaɪərɪŋ/
 
/rɪˈkwaɪərɪŋ/
jump to other results
  1. to need something; to depend on somebody/something
    • require something These pets require a lot of care and attention.
    • Deciphering the code requires an expert.
    • This condition requires urgent treatment.
    • Do you require anything else? (= in a shop/store, for example)
    • These plants absolutely require shade.
    • require somebody/something to do something True marriage requires us to show trust and loyalty.
    • require that… The situation required that he be present.
    • (British English also) The situation required that he should be present.
    • require doing something Lentils do not require soaking before cooking.
    Extra Examples
    • The scheme will require a high level of investment.
    • Friendships do not just happen; they require effort.
    • They are trying to reduce the time required to complete the process.
    • These changes require vast amounts of capital
    • Sufficient moisture is required for good growth.
    • More research is urgently required before conclusions can be drawn.
    • The plants usually require treatment each year.
    • Your services are no longer required.
    • Force is required in order to open it.
    • Applying online requires less time and effort.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb
    • urgently
    • reasonably
    • generally
    See full entry
  2. [often passive] to make somebody do or have something, especially because it is necessary according to a particular law or set of rules
    • require something I just require a signature on the form.
    • be required (by something) The wearing of seat belts is required by law.
    • ‘Hamlet’ is required reading (= must be read) for this course.
    • Several students failed to reach the required standard.
    • be required of somebody What exactly is required of a receptionist (= what are they expected to do)?
    • be required to do something All candidates will be required to take a short test.
    • All adults are legally required to pay the tax.
    • require that… We require that you comply with the following rules:…
    • The law requires that everyone wear a seat belt.
    Extra Examples
    • The government's ruling will require widespread changes in classroom practices.
    • Graduates should possess the knowledge and skills required by industry.
    • Students were required to provide a written proposal.
    • Such use may require approval by federal regulatory agencies.
    • The workshop is free, but booking is required.
    • Farmers will be required to pay for the testing.
    • These are the conditions required under the terms of the agreement.
    Synonyms demanddemandrequire expect insist askThese words all mean to say that somebody should do or have something.demand to make a very strong request for something; to say very definitely that somebody should have or do something:
    • She demanded an immediate explanation.
    require [often passive] (rather formal) to make somebody do or have something, especially because it is necessary according to a law or set of rules or standards:
    • All candidates will be required to take a short test.
    expect to demand that somebody should do, have or be something, especially because it is their duty or responsibility:
    • I expect to be paid promptly for the work.
    insist to demand that something happens or that somebody agrees to do something:
    • I didn’t want to go but he insisted.
    • We insist on the highest standards at all times.
    ask to expect or demand something:
    • You’re asking too much of him.
    demand, expect or ask?Ask is not as strong as demand or expect, both of which can be more like a command.Patterns
    • to demand/​require/​expect/​ask something of/​from somebody
    • to demand/​require/​expect/​insist/​ask that…
    • to require/​expect/​ask somebody to do something
    • to demand/​require/​expect/​ask a lot/​too much/​a great deal
    • to be too much to expect/​ask
    Topics Permission and obligationb2
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb
    • urgently
    • reasonably
    • generally
    See full entry
  3. Word Originlate Middle English: from Old French requere, from Latin requirere, from re- (expressing intensive force) + quaerere ‘seek’.
See require in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee require in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
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noun
 
 
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