require

/rɪˈkwaɪər/ · rih-KWYREverb

Need, demand, or make something necessary under a rule, condition, or purpose.

Use require to express this relationship precisely: need, demand, or make something necessary under a rule, condition, or purpose.

What require Really Means

The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.

1

Core action

Need, demand, or make something necessary under a rule, condition, or purpose.

Example

The repairs require specialized equipment.

2

Common construction

Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.

Example

Ethical rules require researchers to obtain consent.

3

Reasoning effect

It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.

Example

The conclusion will require further evidence.

Use require Naturally

Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.

The repairs require specialized equipment.

Ethical rules require researchers to obtain consent.

The conclusion will require further evidence.

Precision Matters

Require overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.

require

Means need, demand, or make something necessary under a rule, condition, or purpose.

vs.
condone

Means accept, excuse, or allow behaviour that is considered wrong, often by failing to condemn or prevent it.

require

Means need, demand, or make something necessary under a rule, condition, or purpose.

vs.
promote

Means encourage, support, or contribute to the development, progress, growth, or acceptance of something.

require

Means need, demand, or make something necessary under a rule, condition, or purpose.

vs.
imply

Means suggest, indicate, or communicate something indirectly without stating it explicitly.

require

Means need, demand, or make something necessary under a rule, condition, or purpose.

vs.
obligatory

Means required by a rule, law, duty, custom, or accepted convention.

Test require in Context

Written authorization is necessary before access is allowed.

1

Because the records contain private information, access will ___ written authorization.

Prepared byFirst Academy
Editorial responsibilityFirst Academy Academic Team
Updated3 August 2026
Selection and reviewRead our methodology