Demand
/dɪˈmænd/
Demand refers to a strong or urgent request for something, the economic desire and ability to purchase goods or services, or the act of asking for something with authority or insistence.
Examples
- The protesters demanded justice for the victim.
- She demanded that the report be finished by noon.
- The company struggled to meet global demands.
- The teacher's strict demand for silence was met with compliance.
- Demands were made during the negotiations.
Meanings
The word entered English via Old French demander, which itself derived from the Latin dēmandāre. Originally meaning 'to entrust', it evolved in Romance languages to mean 'to ask for'. In English, it shifted to emphasize urgency or insistence in requests.
Examples
- The workers issued a formal demand for higher wages.
- There was a growing demand for action on climate change.
- She faced the demands of a high-pressure job.
- Demands were made during the negotiations.
- The teacher's strict demand for silence was met with compliance.
By the 1700s, economists began using 'demand' to describe market behavior, distinguishing it from mere 'desire' by including the element of purchasing power. It became central to supply and demand theory.
Examples
- The demand for electric cars has risen sharply.
- Low prices increased consumer demand.
- The company struggled to meet global demands.
- An unexpected drop in demand affected profits.
- High demand led to supply shortages.
As a verb, 'demand' has been used since the 13th century. It originally meant 'to ask for' but gradually acquired a stronger tone, implying entitlement or urgency, especially in legal or authoritative contexts.
Examples
- He demanded an explanation from the manager.
- She demanded that the report be finished by noon.
- The protesters demanded justice for the victim.
- The contract demands full disclosure.
- They demanded compensation for the damages.