require
/ɹɪˈkwaɪə/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: requires · requiring
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To demand, to insist upon (having); to call for authoritatively.
Verb
Examples
"I am Miss Newbury," I announced, "and I require to be shown to my room immediately, if you please."
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Naturally to demand (something) as indispensable; to need, to call for as necessary.
Verb
Examples
Chronic pain is occasionally a sign of a very serious problem, like brain tumors, and can require surgery.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “require” mean?
To demand, to insist upon (having); to call for authoritatively.
Is “require” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.