How to pronounce request
Say it like rih-KWEST. Request has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KWEST).
- rih
- KWEST
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Request pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- KWESTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of request
American and British speakers say request in essentially the same way: /rɪˈkwɛst/ in the US and /rɪˈkwɛst/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-KWEST.
What does request mean?
- a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority
- the verbal act of requesting
- express the need or desire for“She requested an extra bed in her room”“She called for room service”
- ask (a person) to do something“She asked him to be here at noon”“I requested that she type the entire manuscript”
- inquire for (information)“I requested information from the secretary”
Where does request come from?
From Middle English request, from Old French requeste (French requête), from Vulgar Latin *requaesita, from Latin requīsīta, feminine of requīsītus (“requested, demanded”), past participle of requīrō (“require, ask”), composed of re- + quae
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with request
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of request.
Questions about saying request
How do you pronounce request?
Say rih-KWEST. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈkwɛst/. In British English it is /rɪˈkwɛst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in request?
Request has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KWEST). Broken into parts: rih · KWEST.
Do Americans and Brits say request the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rɪˈkwɛst/ and the British form is /rɪˈkwɛst/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.