Prerequisite vs. Requisite — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
Prerequisite refers to something required before another, while requisite refers to something necessary or essential.
Difference Between Prerequisite and Requisite
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Prerequisite and requisite are two words that denote requirements, but they are used in different contexts. A prerequisite often refers to something that must be done or acquired before something else can happen or be engaged in. For instance, taking a beginner's course might be a prerequisite for an advanced one. On the other hand, requisite focuses on what is essential or indispensable for a particular activity or purpose. For instance, if one is baking, certain ingredients might be requisite.
In the realm of education, one might encounter the term prerequisite more often. Before enrolling in certain courses, there might be other foundational courses that need to be completed. These are prerequisites. However, in that same course, there might be requisite materials or textbooks, meaning they are essential to successfully completing the course.
Prerequisite is more about the order of things or a sequence. It sets a condition that has to be satisfied before moving on to the next step. Requisite, on the other hand, does not imply a sequence but stresses the importance or necessity of something in a particular context. If one were to think about a journey, a prerequisite might be obtaining a passport, while a requisite might be having enough fuel.
Another way to understand the difference is by their nature of conditionality. A prerequisite sets a prior condition, making it conditional on something else. Requisite doesn't always set a prior condition, but emphasizes the essentiality of something. For example, a driver's license might be a prerequisite to drive a car, while having a good understanding of the rules of the road might be requisite.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Required as a prior condition
Necessary for a particular purpose
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Sequence
Indicates order or sequence
Doesn't necessarily indicate order
Nature
Conditional on something else
Essential but not always conditional
Common Usage
Often used in educational settings (e.g., courses)
Used to denote essential items or qualities
Examples
Preceding courses before advanced courses
Basic ingredients in a recipe
Compare with Definitions
Prerequisite
A necessary precursor for a specific action or event.
Gaining experience is a prerequisite for managerial positions.
Requisite
Mandatory for achieving a goal.
Hard work is a requisite for success.
Prerequisite
A foundational element before advancing.
Reading is a prerequisite for comprehensive writing.
Requisite
Required for a particular purpose.
Patience is a requisite for teaching.
Prerequisite
A prior requirement for eligibility.
Passing the initial test is a prerequisite for the final exam.
Requisite
Essential or necessary for something.
Water is a requisite for human survival.
Prerequisite
Something required as a prior step.
Basic math is a prerequisite for calculus.
Requisite
Indispensable or crucial.
Trust is a requisite in a strong relationship.
Prerequisite
A thing that is required as a prior condition for something else to happen or exist
Sponsorship is not a prerequisite for any of our courses
Requisite
Constituting a fundamental element.
Proper equipment is requisite for the experiment.
Prerequisite
Required as a prior condition
The student must have the prerequisite skills
Requisite
Required; essential.
Prerequisite
Required or necessary as a prior condition
Competence is prerequisite to promotion.
Requisite
Something that is indispensable; a requirement
Algebra is a requisite for taking calculus.
Prerequisite
Something that is prerequisite, as a course that is required prior to taking an advanced course.
Requisite
Essential, indispensable, required.
Please submit the requisite papers before the end of the financial year.
Prerequisite
Required as a prior condition of something else; necessary or indispensable.
The prerequisite warm-up to the match was ignored.
A good command of Spanish is prerequisite for enrolling in this course.
Requisite
An indispensable item; a requirement.
Prerequisite
Something that is required as necessary or indispensable, or as a prior condition of something else.
A degree is a prerequisite for entry into this profession.
Requisite
That which is required, or is necessary; something indispensable.
God, on his part, has declared the requisites on ours; what we must do to obtain blessings, is the great business of us all to know.
Prerequisite
In education, a course or topic that must be completed before another course or topic can be started. May be colloquially referred to as a prereq.
Algebra is typically a prerequisite for physics.
Requisite
Required by the nature of things, or by circumstances; so needful that it can not be dispensed with; necessary; indispensable.
All truth requisite for men to know.
Prerequisite
Previously required; necessary as a preliminary to any proposed effect or end; as, prerequisite conditions of success.
Requisite
Anything indispensable;
Food and shelter are necessities of life
The essentials of the good life
Allow farmers to buy their requirements under favorable conditions
A place where the requisites of water fuel and fodder can be obtained
Prerequisite
Something previously required, or necessary to an end or effect proposed.
The necessary prerequisites of freedom.
Requisite
Necessary for relief or supply;
Provided them with all things needful
Prerequisite
Something that is required in advance;
Latin was a prerequisite for admission
Prerequisite
Required as a prior condition or course of study
Prerequisite
A condition that must be fulfilled before proceeding.
A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for many master's programs.
Common Curiosities
Can both words be used interchangeably?
No, prerequisite implies a sequence, while requisite emphasizes necessity.
How do I know if something is a prerequisite or requisite in context?
Look for clues about sequence (prerequisite) or sheer necessity (requisite).
Can something be both a prerequisite and a requisite?
Yes, if it's both necessary and must be done before something else.
What is the key difference between prerequisite and requisite?
Prerequisite refers to something required before another, while requisite means something essential or necessary.
Is a prerequisite always prior to something else?
Yes, it sets a prior condition or requirement.
Does requisite always imply a sequence?
No, it stresses the importance or necessity but not the sequence.
Can a course have both prerequisites and requisites?
Yes, prerequisites to enroll and requisites (like materials) to complete it.
Can prerequisites be waived?
Often in educational settings, with approval.
Are these terms limited to education?
No, they can apply to various contexts, like projects or activities.
Are all requisites always mandatory?
Generally, yes, as they are deemed necessary.
Can these terms be used as adjectives?
Yes, as in "prerequisite skills" or "requisite equipment."
Is there a plural form for these words?
Yes, prerequisites and requisites.
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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.
