Demand - Wikipedia-style Article
Demand
Definition
Demand refers to a strong request or requirement for something. In economics, it denotes the desire or need for goods and services combined with the ability and willingness to pay for them.
Parts of Speech
Pronunciation
American English
- IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈmænd/
- Respelling: dih-MAND
British English
- IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈmɑːnd/
- Respelling: dih-MAHND
Etymology
The word "demand" originates from the Latin "demandare," meaning "to entrust" or "to command," formed from "de-" (concerning) and "mandare" (to command or entrust). The term evolved through Old French "demander" to Middle English, where it came to mean making a strong request or requirement.
Derivatives
- Demanding (adjective)
- Demandable (adjective)
- Demander (noun)
- Undemanding (adjective)
- Overdemand (verb)
Synonyms
- Request
- Requirement
- Command
Antonyms
Usage
The term "demand" is commonly used to indicate a strong request or necessity for something. For example, "The workers made a demand for better working conditions." In economics, it is a central concept, such as "The demand for smartphones has increased worldwide."
Related Terms
- Supply: The amount of a product or service available to meet demand.
- Request: An act of asking for something.
- Necessity: Something essential or required.
Detailed Definitions
Noun
- A strong request or insistence on something: Refers to a formal or firm request for action or provision.
- Example: "The protesters issued a demand for social reform."
- The desire or need for goods and services (economics): Refers to the level of consumer interest and willingness to purchase products at a particular price.
- Example: "High demand for electric cars is reshaping the automotive industry."
Verb
- To ask for something forcefully or insistently: Describes making a strong request or requirement for something.
- Example: "The manager demanded an explanation for the delays."
- To require as necessary or essential: Refers to needing a particular action or condition to meet standards or conditions.
- Example: "The job demands a high level of expertise."