demand 🔊
Meaning of demand
To ask for something forcefully, in a way that shows you expect to get it, or the act of doing so.
Key Difference
Unlike softer synonyms like 'request,' 'demand' implies authority, urgency, or necessity.
Example of demand
- The workers demanded higher wages and better working conditions.
- The sudden demand for electric cars has increased lithium prices globally.
Synonyms
request 🔊
Meaning of request
To politely or formally ask for something.
Key Difference
A 'request' is more polite and less forceful than a 'demand,' which suggests insistence.
Example of request
- She requested an extension for her project deadline.
- The ambassador requested a meeting with the prime minister.
require 🔊
Meaning of require
To need something or make something necessary.
Key Difference
While 'demand' is about forceful asking, 'require' focuses on necessity or obligation.
Example of require
- This job requires a high level of technical expertise.
- The law requires all citizens to pay taxes.
insist 🔊
Meaning of insist
To demand something firmly and refuse to accept opposition.
Key Difference
'Insist' is more about persistence, while 'demand' carries a stronger tone of authority.
Example of insist
- He insisted on paying for dinner despite my refusal.
- The coach insisted that the team follow the new training regimen.
command 🔊
Meaning of command
To give an authoritative order.
Key Difference
'Command' is more formal and often used in hierarchical contexts, whereas 'demand' can be used more broadly.
Example of command
- The general commanded his troops to advance.
- The CEO commanded immediate action on the financial report.
urge 🔊
Meaning of urge
To strongly advise or persuade someone to do something.
Key Difference
'Urge' is more about persuasion, while 'demand' is more forceful.
Example of urge
- Doctors urge people to get vaccinated against preventable diseases.
- Environmentalists urge governments to reduce carbon emissions.
claim 🔊
Meaning of claim
To assert a right to something.
Key Difference
'Claim' is about asserting ownership or rights, while 'demand' is about forceful asking.
Example of claim
- She claimed her prize after winning the competition.
- The indigenous community claimed their ancestral lands.
petition 🔊
Meaning of petition
To formally request something, often through a written document.
Key Difference
'Petition' is a formal, often collective request, while 'demand' can be individual or group-based and more direct.
Example of petition
- The students petitioned the university for a tuition fee reduction.
- Activists petitioned the government to change the environmental policy.
exact 🔊
Meaning of exact
To demand and obtain something, typically payment or compliance.
Key Difference
'Exact' implies enforcing a demand, often with authority or pressure.
Example of exact
- The landlord exacted the rent on the first of every month.
- The dictator exacted absolute loyalty from his followers.
call for 🔊
Meaning of call for
To publicly ask for something to happen.
Key Difference
'Call for' is less forceful and more suggestive than 'demand.'
Example of call for
- Protesters called for justice after the controversial court ruling.
- Scientists call for more funding in renewable energy research.
Conclusion
- Use 'demand' when you need to express a strong, authoritative, or urgent request.
- 'Request' is best for polite or formal situations where forcefulness is unnecessary.
- 'Require' should be used when emphasizing necessity rather than insistence.
- 'Insist' works well when persistence is key, but without the authoritative tone of 'demand.'
- 'Command' is ideal in hierarchical or military contexts where orders must be followed.
- 'Urge' is suitable for persuasive situations where encouragement is needed.
- 'Claim' should be used when asserting rights or ownership over something.
- 'Petition' fits formal, collective requests, often in legal or political contexts.
- 'Exact' is appropriate when enforcing compliance, especially in financial or authoritative settings.
- 'Call for' is a softer, more public way of suggesting action rather than demanding it.