requirement - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
requirement Word Meanings
- something needed or demanded
- a necessity or obligation
- a condition or stipulation
requirement Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
requirement Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/rɪˈkwaɪəmənt/
US
/rɪˈkwaɪrmənt/
requirement Word Etymology
re- = again + quirere = to seek/request; Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine someone seeking a specific requirement again before moving forward, like a student checking off a list of required materials before class begins.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I grip the door handle and push, watching the room yield to my plan. A checklist on the desk slides as I place objects in a careful row, each small move building what's needed. I breathe harder, adjust my stance, and keep the rhythm as I decide what to keep and what to drop. That moment you feel through the effort—that's the requirement: the thing that must be done or held to make things work.
Real Context
Requirement is a noun that refers to something that must be done, supplied, or satisfied before a task can begin or a goal can be reached. In education, course prerequisites or material requirements dictate what a student must have or complete. In business or law, a contract may include conditions and minimum standards viewed as formal requirements. In everyday life, people speak of dress codes, eligibility criteria, or project specifications as requirements. The idea is that these things are not optional; they are necessary constraints. The word is countable (one requirement, several requirements) and commonly collocates with adjectives like essential, strict, or minimum. Its etymology traces to Latin roots meaning to seek again, echoing the sense of verifying what is needed.
Usage Reminders
- requirement means a condition that must be met before proceeding.
- It is countable: one requirement, multiple requirements.
- Common collocations include minimum requirements, essential requirements, and meeting the requirements.
- Distinguish from 'request' (a wish) and 'require' (the verb).
- Use it in formal contexts like contracts, policies, and academic programs.
Common Misconceptions
- Not every demand is a requirement; some are preferences.
- Confusing 'requirement' with 'need' or 'want'—the latter are not necessarily binding.
- Some think it only appears in official documents; it also appears in everyday life.
- Requirements denote criteria, not steps to perform.
- In some fields, a 'requirement' can be implicit rather than stated; context matters.
Thinking Differences
To an English speaker, 'requirement' signals a formal condition that must be met, not a casual need or desire. Learners often confuse it with 'need' or 'want,' which are less binding. In contexts like contracts, policies, or course syllabi, 'requirement' carries a sense of objective criteria. A common pitfall is treating 'requirement' as interchangeable with 'obligation' or 'demand' without recognizing the formal nuance.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations such as minimum requirements, essential requirements, and meeting the requirements.
- Differentiate between essential vs optional requirements by checking verbs like 'must' vs 'may'.
- Practice with real documents (policy, syllabus, contracts) to see how requirements are phrased.
- Pay attention to plural forms: one requirement vs multiple requirements.
- Don't confuse 'requirement' (a condition to satisfy) with 'need' (a personal lack).
- Create flashcards for typical phrases and review them in context.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'requirement'?
A.Vacation
B.Element
C.Red
D.Chair
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'requirement' correctly?
A.He met the requirement for the job.
B.The requirement was delicious.
C.I need a requirement to go to the park.
D.She wore a requirement on her head.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'requirement'?
A.Green
B.Cake
C.Condition
D.Desk
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'requirement'?
A.Luxury
B.Sun
C.Big
D.Slow
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where a 'requirement' is important?
A.The job interview required a specific skill set.
B.He chose to go on a vacation.
C.She needed a fancy dress for the party.
D.They decided to paint the house blue.
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