Word
require
Phoneticsre·quire
US/ˌɹiˈkwaɪɝ/
UK/ɹɪkwˈaɪə/
Definitions
01to need
B1 · Intermediate
v. to need something because it is necessary or very important.
v. to need something as an indispensable or essential condition.
日本語:要する※
“Most plants require regular sunlight and water to grow healthy and strong.”
“The complex chemical reaction requires a stable temperature and the presence of a specific catalyst to proceed at an efficient rate.”
Usage
Often used with a noun object or a gerund (-ing form).
Pitfall
This 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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02to demand by rule
B1 · Intermediate Formal
v. to make something necessary because of a law, rule, or authority.
v. to demand or insist upon something authoritatively, often by virtue of a regulation or law.
日本語:求める※
“The law requires all drivers to wear a seatbelt while the car is moving.”
“The university regulations require that all doctoral candidates submit their final thesis at least one month prior to the oral examination.”
Usage
Commonly followed by an object and a 'to' infinitive, or a 'that' clause.
Teaching tip
This sense is more formal than 'need'; it implies that an external authority is making the demand.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “require” in context.
Verb
01. actually require
“Do you actually require a new car, or just want one?”
adv + verb
02. certainly require
“The new project will certainly require more funding.”
adv + verb
03. clearly require
“These instructions are vague and clearly require more detail.”
adv + verb
04. consequently require
“The rules changed and consequently require us to update our forms.”
adv + verb
05. generally require
“Most plants generally require sunlight and water to grow.”
adv + verb
06. longer require
“I no longer require your services as the job is finished.”
adv + verb
07. necessarily require
“A high salary does not necessarily require a university degree.”
adv + verb
08. normally require
“We normally require a 20% deposit before starting work.”
adv + verb
09. obviously require
“The broken window will obviously require immediate repair.”
adv + verb
10. require access
“Students require access to the library to complete their research.”
verb + noun
11. require adjustment
“The brakes on your bicycle require a slight adjustment.”
verb + noun
12. require approval
“All holiday requests require approval from the manager.”
verb + noun
Etymology
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.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/require
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0