requerir
Lemma Details
Translation: to require; to demand; to need; to request; to summon
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'requirere', composed of 're-' (again, back) and 'quaerere' (to seek, ask). This shares the same Latin root as English 'require', 'request', 'requisite', and 'query'. The core meaning relates to seeking something that is necessary or demanded. The Spanish verb maintains the sense of formal demand or necessity present in its Latin ancestor.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Este trabajo requiere mucha paciencia.
This job requires a lot of patience.
El médico requirió análisis adicionales.
The doctor requested additional tests.
La situación requiere atención inmediata.
The situation demands immediate attention.
Te requiero en mi oficina ahora mismo.
I summon you to my office right now.
Mnemonics
- Think of 're-query' - when you requery something, you're asking for it again, demanding it.
- Remember the English 'require' - they share the same Latin root and similar meaning.
- The 'quer' in 'requerir' sounds like 'care' - you require things you care about.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish legal and formal contexts, 'requerir' often carries a stronger sense of formal demand than its English counterpart. It's commonly used in official documents, legal notices, and formal requests where compliance is expected.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'requerir' means 'to require/demand', 'adquirir' means 'to acquire/obtain'. Both share the Latin root 'quaerere' (to seek), but have different prefixes that change their meaning.
Notes: Both are irregular verbs that follow similar conjugation patterns.
Mnemonic: 'Re-quire' is about requirements; 'Ad-quire' is about acquisitions.
Explanation: 'Requerir' means to demand or need, while 'inquirir' means to inquire or investigate. Both come from Latin 'quaerere' but with different prefixes.
Confused word:
El detective inquirió sobre los detalles del caso.
The detective inquired about the details of the case.
Notes: Both verbs are somewhat formal in register.
Mnemonic: Think of 'inquirir' as related to 'inquiry' - asking questions, while 'requerir' is related to 'requirement' - demanding something.