require
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to need something because it is necessary or very important.
to need something as an indispensable or essential condition.
Simple“Most plants require regular sunlight and water to grow healthy and strong.”
In context“The complex chemical reaction requires a stable temperature and the presence of a specific catalyst to proceed at an efficient rate.”
UsageOften used with a noun object or a gerund (-ing form).
PitfallThis plant requires to water every day. This plant requires watering every day.When 'require' is followed by an action, use the -ing form or a passive infinitive ('to be watered'), not a plain infinitive.
SynonymsAntonymsobviate - 02 B1 Intermediate
to make something necessary because of a law, rule, or authority.
to demand or insist upon something authoritatively, often by virtue of a regulation or law.
Simple“The law requires all drivers to wear a seatbelt while the car is moving.”
In context“The university regulations require that all doctoral candidates submit their final thesis at least one month prior to the oral examination.”
UsageCommonly followed by an object and a 'to' infinitive, or a 'that' clause.
Teacher's tipThis sense is more formal than 'need'; it implies that an external authority is making the demand.
Usage require a lot · require more frequent · requires extensive
From Old French requerre (French: requérir), from Latin requīrō (“I require, seek, ask for”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.