request

request — noun

1. a polite or official statement in which you tell someone you want or need someth

1.nounB1
Definition

a polite or official statement in which you tell someone you want or need something — for example, wanting a document, permission, or help.

Example

Chiara submitted a formal request for a copy of her medical records.

submit a request for [something]

The librarian agreed to Paloma's request to keep the book for another week.

Common collocations
  • make a request
  • submit a request
  • grant a request
  • deny a request
  • upon request
  • at the request of
Synonyms
  • appeal

    more emotional or urgent than a request

  • petition

    a formal written request signed by many people

  • demand

    stronger and more forceful, implying the right to receive

Antonyms
  • refusal

    the act of saying no to a request

Usage Note

Often followed by 'for' + noun phrase ('a request for help') or a to-infinitive ('a request to leave early').

Common Mistakes

I have a request to you.
I have a request for you.
Use 'for', not 'to', after 'request' to indicate the thing wanted or the recipient.

2. a piece of music or other item chosen by a listener to be broadcast during a rad

2.nounB2
Definition

a piece of music or other item chosen by a listener to be broadcast during a radio programme or performed at a live show.

Example

The DJ played Nila's request for an old jazz song by Miles Davis.

play someone's request for [song]

Zayd called the radio station to make a request for his girlfriend's favourite track.

Common collocations
  • make a request
  • play a request
  • take requests
  • listener request
  • dedicate a request
Synonyms
  • dedication

    a song requested and played for a specific person, often announced on air

Usage Note

Common in radio and music contexts. The verb 'make' is typically used: 'make a request'. 'Take requests' means a DJ or band is willing to play songs chosen by the audience.

Common Mistakes

I want to request a song to the DJ.
I want to make a request to the DJ for a song.
Use 'make a request to [person] for [thing]'.

request — verb

Word family

  • requester
    nounC1
  • requested
    adjectiveB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

These words all describe wanting something from someone, but they differ in formality and strength. 'Ask for' is the neutral everyday choice — you ask for a glass of water or ask for directions. 'Request' is more formal and suits official situations like requesting a document or requesting permission. 'Seek' is slightly literary and often suggests effort or search (seek advice, seek funding). 'Solicit' is very formal and commonly used for gathering donations, votes, or opinions. 'Demand' is the strongest — it implies the person believes they have a right to receive what they are asking for, and it can sound angry or impatient. For example: 'I asked for the bill at the restaurant.' 'The lawyer requested a copy of the report.' 'The charity is soliciting donations for earthquake relief.' 'The protesters demanded that the company stop logging in the forest.'

ask for ↗request ↗seek ↗solicitdemand ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • upon request
  • at the request of
  • by request
  • on request

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'request' entered English from Old French 'requeste', which came from the Latin verb 'requirere' — a combination of 're-' (again) and 'quaerere' (to seek or ask). So the original sense was 'to seek again', which later softened into the polite asking we use today.