Required
rɪˈkwaɪəd
Definitions
2 meaningsTo need or demand something as necessary or essential; to stipulate or call for as a compulsory condition.
rɪˈkwaɪər
To need or demand as a necessity or prerequisite.
The law requires all drivers to wear seatbelts.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're baking a cake. The recipe *requires* you to use flour. It means you absolutely MUST have it to make the cake work! If something is required, you don't have a choice; you have to do it or have it.
👶 For kids: If something is required, it means you HAVE to do it or you HAVE to have it. Like, the game *requires* you to roll the dice!
More Examples
The job requires excellent communication skills.
The project requires careful planning and execution.
How It's Used
"The company requires all employees to attend the safety training."
"This course requires a strong understanding of mathematics."
Necessary by law, rule, or other requirement.
rɪˈkwaɪərd
Officially or legally compulsory; necessary according to a rule or requirement.
The required textbooks are available at the bookstore.
💡 Simply: Think of a checklist. If something is *required*, it's on that checklist and you absolutely have to do it to move on. For example, a school may have a *required* uniform.
👶 For kids: When something is *required*, it means you HAVE to do it. Like, wearing shoes is *required* when you go to the playground.
More Examples
All applicants must submit the required forms.
The meeting is required for all team members.
How It's Used
"The required documents must be submitted by the deadline."
"Passing the required exams is essential for graduation."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Required reading
Books or articles that students or employees are obligated to read.
"The professor assigned 'Hamlet' as required reading."
Required minimum distribution (RMD)
In finance, a rule that dictates the minimum amount a retirement account holder must withdraw annually.
"Financial advisors can help with calculating the required minimum distribution from your retirement accounts."
From Middle English *requeren* (to ask, demand), from Old French *requerir* (to require, ask for), from Latin *requīrere* (to seek, ask for, demand), from *re-* (again, back) + *quaerere* (to seek).
The word 'required' has been used since the 14th century, initially in the sense of asking or requesting, but later evolving to mean demanding as a necessity.
Memory tip
Think of a 'request' you must fulfill: it's *required*. Requiring is like making a request that has to be met.
Word Origin
"to seek, ask for"