request

/rɪˈkwest/
noun, verbBeginner
formal

an act of asking for something formally or politely

The manager submitted a request for vacation time.

The manager formally asked for time off.

💡

Often used in professional or official settings.

formal

to ask for something formally or politely

The customer requested a refund.

The customer formally asked for their money back.

💡

Can be used as a verb or noun.

Collocations

make a requestto formally ask for somethingsubmit a requestto formally send a requestrequest approvalto ask for permission

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

request for proposal (RFP)phrase
a formal document asking for bids or proposals
request for information (RFI)phrase
a formal document asking for information

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal

Use 'request' in formal or professional settings. For casual contexts, 'ask' is more appropriate.

Gold Rule

Verb vs. Noun

'Request' can be used as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to ask for something formally. As a noun, it refers to the act of asking.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'requeste', from Old French 'requeste', from Latin 'requisitus', past participle of 'requirere' (to ask for).

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used in professional, official, or polite contexts. Can be used as both a noun and a verb.

Word Breakdown

re-
again
prefix
+
-quest
to seek
root
English Dictionary