demand

demand — verb

1. to tell someone firmly that you want or expect them to give you something or do

1.verbtransitive / intransitiveB1
Definition

to tell someone firmly that you want or expect them to give you something or do something, especially when you believe you have the right to get it.

Example

The protesters gathered outside the city hall to demand better wages and working conditions.

demand + noun phrase (wages, conditions)

Apinya demanded to speak to the manager after her order arrived with the wrong items.

demand + to-infinitive

Common collocations
  • demand an answer
  • demand an explanation
  • demand action
  • demand to know
  • demand justice
Synonyms
  • insist

    focuses on refusing to change or give up your position; 'insist on something' vs 'demand something'

  • require

    more neutral and often used for rules or formal needs rather than personal requests

  • claim

    suggests you believe something is rightfully yours, often used with rights or compensation

Antonyms
  • request

    polite and less forceful; implies the other person can say no

  • plead

    implies asking with emotion or desperation rather than authority

Grammar Patterns

demand + noun phrase

demand + that-clause

demand + to-infinitive

Usage Note

Not as strong as 'ultimatum' but stronger than 'request'. Common in political, consumer, and workplace contexts where someone expects to be taken seriously.

Common Mistakes

I demanded my friend to help me with the dishes.
I asked my friend to help me with the dishes.
'Demand' is too strong for casual requests between equals; use 'ask'.
She demanded me to leave.
She demanded that I leave.' or 'She told me to leave.
'Demand' cannot take a person as direct object followed by to-infinitive.

2. to require a large amount of a particular resource — for example time, energy, s

2.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to require a large amount of a particular resource — for example time, energy, skill, or a personal quality — for a task or situation to be done well.

Example

Learning to play the piano well demands a great deal of patience and daily practice.

demand + noun phrase (patience, practice)

Caio's role as head nurse demands long hours and staying calm under pressure.

demand + noun phrase (hours, ability)

Common collocations
  • demand effort
  • demand skill
  • demand attention
  • demand concentration
  • demand respect
Synonyms
  • require

    more neutral and slightly weaker; 'require' can apply to minor needs as well

  • call for

    slightly less formal; often used in British English

Grammar Patterns

demand + noun phrase (time, effort, quality)

Usage Note

Subject is usually an abstract noun referring to an activity, situation, or role (e.g. job, sport, relationship). Not typically used for basic physical needs — use 'need' instead.

Common Mistakes

This plant demands water every day.
This plant needs water every day.
For everyday physical needs, 'need' sounds more natural; 'demand' is reserved for significant effort or quality requirements.

demand — noun

Word family

  • demanding
    adjectiveB2
  • demanded
    verb (past participle)B1

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

'Demand', 'insist', 'request', and 'require' all involve asking or calling for something, but they differ in force and tone. 'Demand' is strong and direct — you expect to get what you ask for because you believe you have a right to it. 'Insist' focuses on refusing to accept refusal or change: someone insists on a particular action or condition, even when others push back. 'Request' is polite and neutral — it simply states what you would like, leaving room for the other person to say no. 'Require' is typically used for rules, needs, or formal conditions rather than personal demands. For example: 'The protesters demanded fair treatment.' 'She insisted on seeing the contract before signing.' 'He politely requested a window seat.' 'The job requires a university degree.'

demand ↗insist ↗request ↗require ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'demand' entered English through Old French 'demander', meaning 'to ask or request'. It came originally from Latin 'demandare', which was made up of 'de-' (meaning 'thoroughly' or 'completely') and 'mandare' (meaning 'to entrust, order, or command'). Over time, the meaning shifted from simply 'asking' to 'asking with authority' — the forceful sense we know today. The economic sense (desire for goods) emerged in the 18th century alongside the growth of modern trade and market theory.