require

Definitions

re- (back) + quire (from quaerere, 'seek') = literally 'to seek back.' The original sense of asking for a thing to be returned hardened into insistent seeking — to demand or need. This is why 'require' is stronger than 'ask': it implies necessity.

Common Collocations

• 1.require attention需要关注
• 2.be required to被要求……
• 3.as required按需
• 4.require approval需要批准

Example Sentences

• 1.

  This job requires fluent Japanese.

• 2.

  The law requires drivers to wear seatbelts.

• 3.

  Please contact us if you require further assistance.

Easily Confused

require vs need — Close in meaning, but require is more formal and often impersonal or rule-based (the form requires a signature). need is personal and everyday (I need a break). 'The law requires it' sounds official; 'I need it' sounds human. Also: require + to-infinitive in passive (you are required to sign), but need + to-infinitive in active (you need to sign).