When you request something, you ask for it politely and respectfully. If you request permission to leave class early for a dentist appointment, you're asking your teacher in a proper, formal way rather than just demanding or assuming you can go.

A request differs from a command or demand. Teachers and parents can tell you what to do, but when they request something, they're asking rather than ordering. Your teacher might request that everyone bring in their permission slips by Friday, giving you a choice even though she'd really like you to do it.

The word works as both a verb and a noun. You can request a book from the library (verb), or you can make a request for it (noun). Radio stations take song requests from listeners. You might put in a request for chocolate cake on your birthday.

People often use “request” in formal situations: official letters, business meetings, or polite conversations. Saying “I request your help” sounds more formal than “Can you help me?” Both mean the same thing, but request adds a layer of courtesy and seriousness. When something is done “by request,” it means someone asked for it specifically, like a musician playing a certain song by popular request from the audience.