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Require vs. Requirement

What's the Difference?

Require is a verb that means to need or demand something. For example, "I require your assistance." Requirement, on the other hand, is a noun that refers to something that is necessary or mandatory. For example, "Meeting the minimum GPA is a requirement for admission to the program." In summary, require is the action of needing something, while requirement is the specific thing that is needed.

Comparison

Require
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AttributeRequireRequirement
DefinitionVerb that means to have a need for something or to demand somethingNoun that refers to something that is necessary or mandatory
UsageUsed to express a necessity or obligationUsed to specify what is needed or expected
FormVerbNoun
Grammatical RoleTransitive verbNoun
Examples"I require your assistance.""Meeting the deadline is a requirement."
Requirement
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Further Detail

Definition

Require and requirement are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Require is a verb that means to need something in order to achieve a particular goal or result. It implies a necessity or obligation. On the other hand, requirement is a noun that refers to something that is necessary or mandatory for a particular purpose or goal to be met.

Usage

Require is typically used in sentences where there is a need for something to be done or obtained. For example, "I require your assistance in completing this project." Requirement, on the other hand, is used to specify what is needed or expected in a particular situation. For instance, "Meeting the deadline is a requirement for this job."

Formality

Require is generally considered to be more informal than requirement. It is commonly used in everyday language and conversations. Requirement, on the other hand, is often used in formal contexts such as legal documents, job descriptions, and academic settings. It conveys a sense of seriousness and importance.

Flexibility

Require is a more flexible term compared to requirement. It can be used in a variety of contexts and does not necessarily imply a strict rule or guideline. For example, "I require some time to think about this decision." Requirement, on the other hand, is more rigid and specific. It denotes a mandatory condition that must be met.

Implications

When something is required, it suggests a need or desire for it to be done or obtained. It may not always be mandatory, but it is important for achieving a certain outcome. On the other hand, a requirement is a non-negotiable condition that must be fulfilled in order to meet a standard or expectation.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between require and requirement:

  • I require your assistance in completing this project. (Need for help)
  • Meeting the deadline is a requirement for this job. (Mandatory condition)
  • I require some time to think about this decision. (Desire for time)
  • Having a college degree is a requirement for this position. (Non-negotiable condition)

Conclusion

In conclusion, while require and requirement are related terms, they have distinct meanings and implications. Require is more informal and flexible, suggesting a need or desire for something. Requirement, on the other hand, is formal and rigid, denoting a mandatory condition that must be met. Understanding the differences between these two terms can help in using them appropriately in various contexts.

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