Overview of verb require

The verb require has 4 senses

• necessitate, ask, postulate, need, require, take, involve, call for, demand -- (require as useful, just, or proper; "It takes nerve to do what she did"; "success usually requires hard work"; "This job asks a lot of patience and skill"; "This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice"; "This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert"; "This intervention does not postulate a patient's consent")


• ask, require, expect -- (consider obligatory; request and expect; "We require our secretary to be on time"; "Aren't we asking too much of these children?"; "I expect my students to arrive in time for their lessons")


• command, require -- (make someone do something)


• want, need, require -- (have need of; "This piano wants the attention of a competent tuner")

Overview of adj required

The adj required has 2 senses

• needed, needful, required, requisite -- (necessary for relief or supply; "provided them with all things needful")


• compulsory, mandatory, required -- (required by rule; "in most schools physical education is compulsory"; "attendance is mandatory"; "required reading")