Demand
/dɪˈmɑːnd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo request or require with authority; to claim as due or needed.
/dɪˈmɑːnd/
To ask for with authority; to claim as a right or need.
The customer demanded a refund.
💡 Simply: Imagine you really, really need something, and you tell someone you *need* it. That's demand. Like, "I demand ice cream!" Or, if a store needs a lot of a product to sell, that's their demand.
👶 For kids: When you ask for something and you *really* want it, that's demanding!
More Examples
The union demands better working conditions.
The situation demands immediate attention.
How It's Used
"The company demands immediate payment."
"The lawyer demanded to see the evidence."
An insistent and peremptory request, made as a right or a matter of urgency.
/dɪˈmɑːnd/
The act of demanding; a request.
The demand for energy is constantly increasing.
💡 Simply: Think about what people *want* to buy or *need* to have. That's demand. If a lot of people want something, there's a high demand for it. If a lot of people need something, there is high demand.
👶 For kids: When lots of people want something, like toys, and it is a demand.
More Examples
The company responded to the public's demand for a more sustainable product.
They are facing significant demands on their time.
How It's Used
"There is high demand for electric vehicles."
"The students made a demand for more resources."
Idioms & expressions
in demand
Highly sought after or desired.
"Good programmers are always in demand."
supply and demand
The relationship between the availability of a product or service and the desire for it by consumers.
"The law of supply and demand dictates that prices rise when demand exceeds supply."
From Old French *demander* (to ask, request), from Latin *demandare* (to entrust, command), from *de* (down, away) + *mandare* (to order, command).
Historically, the word 'demand' was also used in legal contexts, referring to a formal claim or request, a usage that persists today.
Memory tip
Think of a drill sergeant: they DEMAND obedience!