demand

Everyday

1. To demand means to ask for something firmly, as if you have the right to it: she demanded an answer. tree →
2. A demand is a firm request. tree →
3. Demand is how much people want to buy something: high demand for ice cream in summer. tree →
4. To demand can mean to need: the job demands patience. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and manners: demanding things rudely («Give me that!») is not polite; asking nicely works better. In maths and money lessons: when demand is high and supply is low, prices often go up (supply and demand). In stories, villains demand a ransom, kings demand taxes. Phrases: demand to know, demand an answer, in demand, on demand (whenever you ask), supply and demand.

Examples

• The customer demanded his money back. tree →
• «Where have you been?» Dad demanded. tree →
• Ice cream is in great demand on hot days. tree →
• You can watch the show on demand. tree →
• Looking after a puppy demands a lot of time. tree →
• The king demanded more gold from the villagers. tree →
• Workers made demands for better pay. tree →
• 'What are you doing?' demanded Makoma. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Say «demand something» or «demand to do», not «demand for something» as a verb (but the noun «a demand for» is fine). Adjective: demanding (needing a lot of effort, or always wanting attention). Trap: in French «demander» just means «ask» — in English «demand» is much stronger.

In Jewish tradition

In everyday life and manners: demanding things rudely («Give me that!») is not polite; asking nicely works better. In maths and money lessons: when demand is high and supply is low, prices often go up (supply and demand). In stories, villains demand a ransom, kings demand taxes. Phrases: demand to know, demand an answer, in demand, on demand (whenever you ask), supply and demand.

Examples

• Gird up thy loins now like a man; I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto Me. (Writings JOB.40.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• Hear, I beseech Thee, and I will speak; I will demand of Thee, and declare Thou unto me. (Writings JOB.42.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto Me. (Writings JOB.38.3, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb. Say «demand something» or «demand to do», not «demand for something» as a verb (but the noun «a demand for» is fine). Adjective: demanding (needing a lot of effort, or always wanting attention). Trap: in French «demander» just means «ask» — in English «demand» is much stronger.