Request vs. Requisition — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 5, 2024
Request implies a polite or formal appeal for something, often optional; requisition suggests an authoritative or official demand for resources or supplies, typically mandatory.
Difference Between Request and Requisition
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A request is typically understood as a polite or formal plea for something, indicating that it's often up to the discretion of the person or entity addressed to fulfill it. This implies a level of courtesy and optional compliance, highlighting the social aspect of asking. On the other hand, a requisition is an authoritative demand or order, often used in official or administrative contexts. It carries a sense of mandatory compliance, stemming from institutional or organizational authority.
Requests can be made in various contexts, from casual interpersonal interactions to formal business communications. The tone and expectation of a request can vary widely but generally imply that the requestor is asking rather than demanding. Whereas, requisitions are most commonly associated with structured environments like military, governmental, or large organizations, where specific materials, services, or actions are demanded by virtue of position or necessity.
The language used in a request is often tentative, polite, and considerate, reflecting the non-mandatory nature of the action being asked for. Phrases like "Could you" or "Would you mind" are common. In contrast, requisitions usually employ direct and unambiguous language, underscoring the non-negotiable demand. Terms like "is required" or "must be provided" highlight the imperative nature.
In terms of response, fulfilling a request is generally at the discretion of the person or entity addressed. There's an implicit understanding that the action may not be taken if deemed inconvenient or unreasonable. Conversely, a requisition typically requires compliance, often within a specified timeframe, reflecting its authoritative stance.
The process of making a request often involves negotiation and persuasion, aiming to convince the addressee of the merit or need for the action or item requested. This can involve explaining circumstances, offering reciprocal benefits, or appealing to goodwill. On the other hand, a requisition bypasses negotiation, relying on established protocols or authority to ensure compliance, often without need for justification beyond stating the requirement.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Polite or formal appeal
Authoritative demand
Context
Personal, casual, or formal
Official, administrative, organizational
Language
Tentative, polite, considerate
Direct, unambiguous, imperative
Compliance
Optional, at discretion of the addressee
Mandatory, often with specified timeframe
Underlying Process
Involves negotiation, persuasion
Relies on established protocols or authority
Compare with Definitions
Request
A polite appeal for assistance or information.
He made a request for additional resources to complete the project.
Requisition
The act of officially requiring or claiming something.
Requisition of the necessary documents was the first step.
Request
A formal petition or plea.
Their request for additional funding was approved.
Requisition
The process of formally requesting something within an organization.
The requisition for more staff was submitted to HR.
Request
The act of asking for something to be given or done.
The request for feedback was sent out after the meeting.
Requisition
A demand for goods, usually made by an authority.
The military sent a requisition for supplies to the manufacturer.
Request
An expression of desire for something to happen or be done.
The invitation included a request for guests to dress formally.
Requisition
A written request or demand for something needed.
A requisition form was submitted for office supplies.
Request
An application for something desired.
She submitted a request for leave next month.
Requisition
An official order laying claim to the use of property or materials.
The department issued a requisition for new laptops.
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
Requisition
An official order laying claim to the use of property or materials
I had to make various requisitions for staff and accommodation
Request
Politely or formally ask for
The chairman requested that the reports be considered
He received the information he had requested
Requisition
Demand the use or supply of (something) by official order
The government had assumed powers to requisition cereal products at fixed prices
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.
Requisition
A formal written request for something needed.
Request
To ask (a person) to do something
The police requested her to accompany them.
Requisition
A necessity; a requirement.
Request
An act of asking for something.
Requisition
The state or condition of being needed or put into service.
Request
Something asked for
Wasn't happy until he got his request.
Requisition
(Law) A formal request of one government to another demanding the return of a criminal or fugitive.
Request
To ask for (something).
The corporal requested reinforcements.
I have requested that the furniture be moved back to its original position.
Requisition
To demand, as for military needs.
Request
(transitive) To ask (somebody) to do something.
She called me into her office and requested me to sit down.
Requisition
To make demands of.
Request
Act of requesting (with the adposition at in the presence of possessives, and on in their absence).
Requisition
A formal request for something.
Request
A formal message requesting something.
Requisition
A formal demand made by one state or government upon another for the surrender or extradition of a fugitive from justice.
Request
Condition of being sought after.
Requisition
(legal) A notarial demand for repayment of a debt.
Request
(networking) A message sent over a network to a server.
The server returned a 404 error to the HTTP request.
Requisition
(military) A demand by the invader upon the people of an invaded country for supplies, as of provision, forage, transportation, etc.
Request
(obsolete) That which is asked for or requested.
Requisition
A formal application by one officer to another for things needed in the public service.
A requisition for clothing, troops, or money
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.
Requisition
That which is required by authority; especially, a quota of supplies or necessaries.
Request
That which is asked for or requested.
I will both hear and grant you your requests.
Requisition
A call; an invitation; a summons.
A requisition for a public meeting
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.
Requisition
(transitive) To demand something, especially for a military need of staff, supplies, or transport.
Request
To ask for (something); to express desire ffor; to solicit; as, to request his presence, or a favor.
Requisition
The act of requiring, as of right; a demand or application made as by authority.
Request
To address with a request; to ask.
I request youTo give my poor host freedom.
Requisition
That which is required by authority; especially, a quota of supplies or necessaries.
Request
A formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority
Requisition
A written or normal call; an invitation; a summons; as, a reqisition for a public meeting.
Request
The verbal act of requesting
Requisition
To make a reqisition on or for; as, to requisition a district for forage; to requisition troops.
Request
Express the need or desire for; ask for;
She requested an extra bed in her room
She called for room service
Requisition
To present a requisition to; to summon request; as, to requisition a person to be a candidate.
Request
Ask (a person) to do something;
She asked him to be here at noon
I requested that she type the entire manuscript
Requisition
The act of requiring; an authoritative request or demand, especially by a military or public authority that takes something over (usually temporarily) for military or public use
Request
Inquire for (information);
I requested information from the secretary
Requisition
An official form on which a request in made;
First you have to fill out the requisition
Requisition
Seizing property that belongs to someone else and holding it until profits pay the demand for which it was seized
Requisition
Make a formal request for official services
Requisition
Demand and take for use or service, especially by military or public authority for public service
Common Curiosities
Is a requisition legally binding?
In many cases, yes, especially if it's part of contractual obligations or within the framework of organizational policies.
How is a requisition processed in a large organization?
It typically goes through a formal review and approval process, often involving multiple departments.
Is a request always informal?
No, a request can be either informal or formal, depending on the context and how it is made.
Are requisitions only for physical goods?
No, requisitions can be for physical goods, services, or any resources needed by an organization.
Can a requisition be canceled?
Yes, if circumstances change or if the requestor no longer needs the resources, a requisition can be canceled or amended.
How do digital platforms affect requisitions and requests?
Digital platforms can streamline the process, making it easier to submit, track, and fulfill both requisitions and requests.
Can individuals outside an organization make a requisition?
Typically, no. Requisitions are internal documents for requesting resources within an organization.
Can a request be denied?
Yes, since a request is often at the discretion of the addressee, it can be denied.
Who approves requisitions?
Approval authority varies but often includes department heads, procurement officials, or financial controllers.
Do all organizations use requisitions?
While most organizations have some form of requisition process, the specifics can vary widely.
Is a request considered a legal document?
Generally, no, unless it's part of a formal contract or agreement.
What happens if a requisition is not fulfilled?
Depending on the organization's policies, there may be follow-ups, escalations, or even penalties for non-compliance.
Can a request turn into a requisition?
In some contexts, yes. If a polite request is not acted upon, it may escalate to a formal requisition, especially in hierarchical organizations.
Are there cultural differences in how requests and requisitions are viewed?
Yes, cultural norms can influence the perception and etiquette of making requests and the authority associated with requisitions.
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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
Maham Liaqat
