DEMAND

Definition of DEMAND

DEMAND Noun and Verb

Demand is both a noun and a verb that pertains to the need or desire for something, often accompanied by a sense of urgency or necessity. As a noun, demand refers to the quantity of a product or service that people are willing to buy at a given price or the desire for a particular resource. As a verb, demand means to request something forcefully or insistently, often with authority or urgency.

DEMAND as a noun

As a noun, demand refers to the desire or need for a particular good, service, or resource. This need can be expressed in various ways, from consumer behavior to societal needs. For example, “There is a high demand for electric cars in the market,” or “The demand for clean water in the region has increased significantly.” Here, demand emphasizes the level of desire or need for something, particularly in an economic or social context.

Economic Demand and Market Dynamics: In economics, demand refers to the quantity of a product or service that consumers are willing and able to purchase at different prices. For example, “The law of supply and demand governs the pricing of goods,” or “An increase in demand for a product can lead to higher prices.” In this context, demand is a fundamental concept in understanding market behavior and pricing dynamics, reflecting the relationship between price and the quantity of goods people are willing to buy.

DEMAND as a verb

As a verb, demand means to request or insist on something with authority or urgency. For example, “She demanded an explanation for the delay,” or “The workers demanded better working conditions.” Here, demand implies a strong, sometimes forceful, request or requirement for something, often asserting authority or necessity in the situation.

To Require Something as a Necessity or Condition:Demand can also refer to the need or requirement for something as a condition or necessity. For example, “The job demands a high level of expertise,” or “The situation demands quick action.” In these cases, demand emphasizes an essential requirement or need, often signifying that a particular quality or action is necessary for success or survival.

Demand vs. Request or Inquiry: While request or inquiry typically refers to a polite or gentle ask for something, demand implies a more insistent or authoritative call for something. For example, “She made a request for more information,” versus “She demanded an answer immediately.” Demand suggests a stronger, more urgent or non-negotiable need compared to a simple request.

Demand in Legal or Formal Contexts: In legal or formal contexts, demand often refers to a formal request for something, usually in the form of a claim or requirement. For example, “The company issued a demand for payment,” or “The letter was a formal demand for the return of the property.” In these settings, demand can take on a legal or official tone, often implying an obligation or required action.

Demand in Social and Political Contexts: In social or political contexts, demand may refer to the calls or pressures from groups or individuals for certain changes or actions, such as rights, services, or policies. For example, “There were widespread demands for justice and reform,” or “The citizens demanded better healthcare services.” Here, demand represents a collective call for change or action, often with significant urgency or moral imperative.

In conclusion, demand is both a noun and a verb that captures the desire, need, or request for something. As a noun, it refers to the desire for goods, services, or resources, particularly in economic contexts where it helps determine market prices and behavior. As a verb, it involves making a strong or urgent request for something, often with authority or necessity. Whether in economics, legal matters, social issues, or personal interactions, demand represents a key concept in understanding needs, actions, and the forces that drive decisions and behaviors.

Examples of DEMAND in a sentence

DEMAND as a noun in a sentence

• There is a high demand for electric cars in the market.
• The company increased production to meet the growing demand.
• Consumer demand for organic products has risen significantly.
• The government responded to the demand for better healthcare services.
• During the holiday season, the demand for gifts usually spikes.
• The demand for skilled workers exceeds the available supply.
• Prices rose due to increased demand and limited resources.
• The CEO addressed the demand for more sustainable business practices.

DEMAND as a verb in a sentence

• The workers demand higher wages during the negotiations.
• Customers often demand faster delivery times from online retailers.
• She demanded an explanation for the sudden price increase.
• The government demanded stricter regulations on pollution.
• Protesters demand justice for the victims of the tragedy.
• He demanded that his rights be respected at all times.
• The teacher demanded silence before starting the exam.
• They demand accountability from their leaders.

Origin of DEMAND

Demand functions as both a noun and a verb, relating to a strong request or requirement.

Semantic Context: As a noun, demand refers to a forceful or urgent request, need, or desire for something. As a verb, it means to ask for something forcefully or insistently, or to require something as necessary.

• Etymological Roots: The word demand comes from Old French demander, meaning “to ask, request,” derived from Latin demandare (“to entrust, commit, order”), which combines de- (“away, completely”) and mandare (“to order, command”).
• Historical Development: The term has been used in English since the Middle Ages, initially to mean “to ask or request.” Over time, it developed a stronger connotation of insisting or requiring, especially in legal, economic, and social contexts.
• Cultural and Social Applications: Demand is key in economics (consumer demand), law (demands for rights or compliance), politics (demands from citizens or groups), and everyday language (requests or needs). It reflects power dynamics in interactions.
• Current Usage: Today, demand is widely used in business, law, social activism, and everyday conversation to express strong requests, requirements, or needs.

The term demand captures the concept of forceful asking or requiring, highlighting aspects of urgency, necessity, and authority.