What is requirement? Pronunciation and usage in English

requirement means . Learn how to pronounce and use requirement through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of requirement

requirementnoun

/rɪˈkwʌɪəm(ə)nt/
Definition & pronunciation of requirement

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "requirement" in English. It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown and some tips:

1. The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • ri-ˈkwɪr-ə-mənt

Let’s break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ri: Sounds like "ree" as in "red."
  • ˈkwɪr: This is the trickiest part. It sounds like "quire" (like a table with a grid), but with a slightly more “uh” sound at the beginning. Think of it as almost saying “kwirr.” The stress is on this syllable.
  • ə: This is a very short, unstressed "uh" sound. It’s very subtle.
  • -mənt: Sounds like "ment" as in "comment" or "argument."

2. A Slightly More Detailed Breakdown of "ˈkwɪr":

  • The ‘qu’ blend is often pronounced as /kwɪr/. It's not a hard ‘kw’ sound.
  • The vowel sound in “quire” is crucial. It's a front, rounded vowel. Think of the sound you make when you’re slightly surprised or questioning.

3. Resources to Help You Hear It:

  • Google Translate: Type "requirement" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. This is a great way to hear a native speaker pronounce it. (https://translate.google.com/)
  • Forvo: This website has pronunciations recorded by native speakers from various regions. (https://forvo.com/word/requirement/)
  • YouTube: Search “how to pronounce requirement” on YouTube and you’ll find many videos demonstrating the correct pronunciation.

4. Common Mistakes:

  • Saying “re-quire-ment”: The ‘quire’ syllable needs that short, subtle “uh” sound.
  • A hard ‘kw’ sound at the beginning of ‘quire’: It’s not a sharp ‘kw’ – it’s more blended.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning the language?
  • What region are you from (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia)? Pronunciation can vary slightly by region.

Usage and examples with the word requirement in English

Let's break down how to use the word "requirement" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a specific meaning.

1. Core Meaning:

  • Requirement means something that is necessary or essential for a particular situation, task, or goal. It's something you must have or do.

2. Common Uses & Examples:

  • In Business/Contracts: This is where "requirement" is frequently used.

    • "A key requirement for this contract is timely delivery." (It’s essential the delivery is on time.)
    • "The requirements document outlines all the features needed in the software." (It’s a list of what's needed.)
    • "Meeting the budgetary requirements is crucial for the project's success." (There are certain financial needs.)

  • In Regulations/Rules:

    • “The requirement for wearing a seatbelt is strictly enforced.” (It’s a mandatory rule.)
    • “There's a requirement for all employees to complete this safety training.” (It's a mandatory course.)

  • In Specifications/Technical Documents:

    • "The vehicle's engine possesses several requirements related to fuel efficiency." (Specific technical demands.)
    • "The requirements for this piece of equipment include a minimum operating temperature of 20 degrees Celsius." (Specific conditions.)

  • In Personal Situations (less common, but possible):

    • "A key requirement for this job is excellent communication skills." (A necessary skill.)
    • "One requirement of being a member is attending monthly meetings." (A rule for membership.)

  • As a Noun (the thing that’s needed): Often, “requirement” just refers to the thing itself.

    • "The requirement is adherence to our company's code of conduct."

  • As a Verb (to demand something): This is less frequent and more formal.

    • “The professor required the students to submit an essay by the end of the week.” (The professor demanded.)

3. Synonyms:

To help you understand the nuances, here are some words that can be used instead of "requirement" depending on the context:

  • Necessity: (Something absolutely needed) – "Water is a necessity for survival."
  • Demand: (Something asked for or needed) – "The project has a high demand for skilled engineers."
  • Condition: (A factor that must be met) – “Meeting the conditions of the agreement is vital.”
  • Specification: (A detailed description of something required) – "The specifications for the new machine are very precise.”
  • Criterion: (A standard for judgment or evaluation) - "The criterion for acceptance is a passing grade."
  • Mandate: (An order or instruction) – “The new law issues a mandate for increased security.”

4. Phrases Using "Requirement":

  • To meet a requirement: (To fulfill a need) – "We need to meet the security requirements of the new system."
  • A specific requirement: (A particular demand) – “A specific requirement of this contract is confidentiality.”
  • Non-compliance with a requirement: (Failure to meet a demand) – “The company faced penalties for non-compliance with environmental requirements.”

5. Important Note: "Requirement" vs. "Requirement" (with an extra "e")

Be careful! "Requirement" (one 'e') is the correct spelling. "Requirements" (two 'e's) is the plural form.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "requirement" in? (e.g., business, school, personal, technical?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're trying to write?

Synonyms for the word requirement

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