Request vs. Kindly — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 4, 2024
"Request" is a noun or verb relating to the act of asking for something formally or politely, while "kindly" is an adverb used to make a request or statement polite.
Difference Between Request and Kindly
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Request" can function both as a noun and a verb, and involves asking for something in a formal or earnest manner. In contrast, "kindly" is used adverbially to soften commands or requests, adding a polite or gentle tone to statements.
When you make a request, you are explicitly asking for something specific, potentially with expectation or urgency. On the other hand, using "kindly" suggests a gentler approach, often implying that compliance is favorable but not demanded.
While "request" clearly denotes the act of asking and can carry a sense of necessity or formality, "kindly" serves to make interactions smoother and less direct, emphasizing courtesy over demand.
"Request" is straightforward and focused on the outcome, whereas "kindly" focuses more on the manner of interaction, often used to ensure that the tone of communication is respectful and considerate.
In professional or formal settings, "request" might be used in written forms such as emails or forms, indicating a formal ask, whereas "kindly" could be employed to ensure the request is seen as polite rather than commanding.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun or verb
Adverb
Function
To formally or earnestly ask for something.
To add politeness or gentility to a statement.
Tone
Can be neutral or formal.
Always polite and gentle.
Example Context
"I request your assistance in this matter."
"Kindly remove your shoes before entering."
Usage in Communication
Direct and focused on the desired action.
Softens requests or commands to be less direct.
Compare with Definitions
Request
An appeal or call to someone for something specific.
The charity sent out a request for donations.
Kindly
Expressing a polite favor.
Kindly refrain from smoking in this area.
Request
The act of politely or formally asking for something.
He made a request for additional resources.
Kindly
A polite addition to requests or instructions.
Please kindly submit your report by Friday.
Request
To express a need or desire for something.
She requested a meeting with her supervisor.
Kindly
Used to soften a command or request.
Kindly close the door when you leave.
Request
A requirement for a particular action or piece of information.
The form requests your signature at the bottom.
Kindly
In a kind or gentle manner.
He kindly offered to help her with her luggage.
Request
A formal solicitation or requirement.
The application includes a request for your full employment history.
Kindly
With goodwill or benign intent.
They kindly reminded us to RSVP to the event.
Request
An act of asking politely or formally for something
A request for information
The club's excursion was postponed at the request of some of the members
Kindly
In a kind manner
‘Never mind,’ she said kindly
Request
Politely or formally ask for
The chairman requested that the reports be considered
He received the information he had requested
Kindly
Kind, warm-hearted, or gentle
He was a quiet, kindly man
Request
To express a desire for, especially politely; ask for. Often used with an infinitive or clause
Requested information about the experiment.
Requested to see the evidence firsthand.
Requested that the bus driver stop at the next corner.
Kindly
Of a sympathetic, helpful, or benevolent nature
A kindly interest.
A gentle, kindly soul.
Request
To ask (a person) to do something
The police requested her to accompany them.
Kindly
Having a kind personality; kind, warmhearted, sympathetic.
A kindly old man sits on the park bench every afternoon feeding pigeons.
Request
An act of asking for something.
Kindly
(dated) Favourable, gentle, pleasant, tidy, auspicious, beneficent.
Request
Something asked for
Wasn't happy until he got his request.
Kindly
(archaic) Lawful.
Request
To ask for (something).
The corporal requested reinforcements.
I have requested that the furniture be moved back to its original position.
Kindly
(obsolete) Natural; inherent to the kind or race.
Request
(transitive) To ask (somebody) to do something.
She called me into her office and requested me to sit down.
Kindly
In a kind manner, out of kindness.
He kindly offered to take us to the station in his car.
Request
Act of requesting (with the adposition at in the presence of possessives, and on in their absence).
Kindly
In a favourable way.
Request
A formal message requesting something.
Kindly
Used to make a polite request: please.
Kindly refrain from walking on the grass.
Kindly move your car out of the front yard.
Request
Condition of being sought after.
Kindly
(US) With kind acceptance; 1=used with take.
I don't take kindly to threats.
Aunt Daisy didn't take it kindly when we forgot her anniversary.
Request
(networking) A message sent over a network to a server.
The server returned a 404 error to the HTTP request.
Kindly
(dialectal) Kind of, somewhat.
Request
(obsolete) That which is asked for or requested.
Kindly
(archaic) Readily.
Request
The act of asking for anything desired; expression of desire or demand; solicitation; prayer; petition; entreaty.
I will marry her, sir, at your request.
Kindly
(obsolete) Naturally.
Request
That which is asked for or requested.
I will both hear and grant you your requests.
Kindly
According to the kind or nature; natural.
The kindly fruits of the earth.
An herd of bulls whom kindly rage doth sting.
Whatsoever as the Son of God he may do, it is kindly forHim as the Son of Man to save the sons of men.
Request
A state of being desired or held in such estimation as to be sought after or asked for; demand.
Knowledge and fame were in as great request as wealth among us now.
Kindly
Humane; congenial; sympathetic; hence, disposed to do good to; benevolent; gracious; kind; helpful; as, kindly affections, words, acts, etc.
The shade by which my life was crossed, . . . Has made me kindly with my kind.
Request
To ask for (something); to express desire ffor; to solicit; as, to request his presence, or a favor.
Kindly
Favorable; mild; gentle; auspicious; beneficent.
In soft silence shed the kindly shower.
Should e'er a kindlier time ensue.
Request
To address with a request; to ask.
I request youTo give my poor host freedom.
Kindly
Naturally; fitly.
Examine how kindly the Hebrew manners of speech mix and incorporate with the English language
Request
A formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority
Kindly
In a kind manner; congenially; with good will; with a disposition to make others happy, or to oblige.
Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love.
Request
The verbal act of requesting
Kindly
Showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity;
Was charitable in his opinions of others
Kindly criticism
A kindly act
Sympathetic words
A large-hearted mentor
Request
Express the need or desire for; ask for;
She requested an extra bed in her room
She called for room service
Kindly
Generously responsive;
Good-hearted but inept efforts to help
Take a kindly interest
A kindly gentleman
An openhearted gift to charity
Request
Ask (a person) to do something;
She asked him to be here at noon
I requested that she type the entire manuscript
Kindly
Pleasant and agreeable;
A kindly climate
Kindly breeze
Request
Inquire for (information);
I requested information from the secretary
Kindly
In a kind manner or out of kindness;
He spoke kindly to the boy
She kindly overlooked the mistake
Common Curiosities
How is "kindly" used in sentences?
"Kindly" is used as an adverb to add politeness or soften the tone of requests and commands.
What does "request" mean?
"Request" means to formally or politely ask for something.
Is "kindly" ever used as an adjective?
No, "kindly" is primarily used as an adverb, not as an adjective.
What is the difference between "request" and "demand"?
"Request" implies asking politely or formally, whereas "demand" implies asking with authority and often without the politeness associated with a request.
Can "kindly" modify verbs other than those involving requests?
Yes, "kindly" can modify any verb where politeness is intended, not just requests.
Can "request" be used as a verb?
Yes, "request" can be used as a verb, meaning to ask for something formally.
In what contexts is it appropriate to use "request"?
"Request" is appropriate in formal settings like business or official communications.
When should I use "kindly" in communication?
Use "kindly" when you want to ensure your communication is perceived as polite, especially when giving instructions or making requests.
Is it redundant to say "kindly request"?
While not grammatically incorrect, saying "kindly request" may be considered redundant in terms of politeness but can be used to emphasize courtesy.
How do "request" and "kindly" impact the tone of communication?
"Request" sets a formal or serious tone, while "kindly" makes the tone more gentle and polite.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Misadventure vs. Adventure
Next Comparison
Alienate vs. OstracizeAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
