Difference Wiki

Demand vs. Command: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 19, 2023
"Demand" is a strong request, while "Command" is an authoritative instruction.

Key Differences

"Demand" implies a strong request made out of necessity or desire, often without authority but with expectation, while "Command" is an instruction given with authority, expecting obedience without discussion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
"Demand" can come from anyone, based on their needs or wants, reflecting urgency or insistence, whereas "Command" is inherently tied to a position of authority or control, and its power lies in the issuer's status or role.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
"Demand" often carries a sense of negotiation, as it's a request that anticipates fulfillment but can be denied, while "Command" leaves little room for negotiation, as it's an authoritative order expecting compliance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
"Demand" and "Command" both imply a desire for action or response, but demand suggests a transactional nature, like a customer's demand for service, while command is about directive and control, as seen in military contexts.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
"Demand" is more often associated with economic contexts, indicating market forces and consumer interests, whereas "Command" is frequently related to hierarchical structures like the military, governance, or management in organizations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Authority

Not required; based on urgency or need
Inherent; based on status or role
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Negotiation

Possible and often expected
Little to no room for negotiation
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Context

Economic, consumer-oriented
Hierarchical, organizational
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Response

Anticipates fulfillment, can be denied
Expects compliance, authoritative
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023

Tone

Can be insistent but lacks directive authority
Directive, authoritative
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Demand and Command Definitions

Demand

Demand: a requirement or necessity.
The demand for nurses has skyrocketed recently.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023

Command

Command: to have at one's disposal.
He commands six languages.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Demand

To ask for urgently or peremptorily
Demand an investigation into the murder.
Demanding that he leave immediately.
Demanded to speak to the manager.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

Command: to deserve and receive (respect, sympathy, attention, etc.).
Her performance commanded applause.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Demand

To claim as just or due
Demand repayment of a loan.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT

Command

To direct with authority; give orders to.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

To ask to be informed of
Demanded an explanation for the interruption.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

To have control or authority over; rule
A general who commands an army.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

To require as useful, just, proper, or necessary; call for
A gem that demands a fine setting.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

To have at one's disposal
A person who commands seven languages.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

To lay legal claim to; claim formally.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

To deserve and receive as due; exact
The troops' bravery commanded respect.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

To ask that (something) be done in accordance with a legal requirement.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

To exercise dominating, authoritative influence over
"He commands any room he enters" (Stephen Schiff).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

To make a demand.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

To dominate by physical position; overlook
A mountain commanding the valley below.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

An act of demanding; an urgent request.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

To give orders.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

Something demanded
On strike until they get their demands.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

To exercise authority or control as or as if one is a commander.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

An urgent requirement or need
The heavy demands of her job.
The emotional demands of his marriage.
An increased oxygen demand.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

The act of commanding.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

The state of being sought after
In great demand as a speaker.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

An order given with authority.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

(Economics) The desire for goods or services in an economy, measured as the amount people are ready to buy at a given price
Supply should rise to meet demand.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

(Computers) A signal that initiates an operation defined by an instruction.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

A formal claim.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

The authority to command
An admiral in command.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

A request that some act be done or payment made in accordance with a legal requirement.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

Possession and exercise of the authority to command
Command of the seas.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

(Archaic) An emphatic question or inquiry.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

Ability to control or use; mastery
Command of four languages.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

The desire to purchase goods and services.
Prices usually go up when demand exceeds supply.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

Dominance by location; extent of view.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

(economics) The amount of a good or service that consumers are willing to buy at a particular price.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

The jurisdiction of a commander.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

A forceful claim for something.
Modern society is responding to women's demands for equality.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

A military unit, post, district, or region under the control of one officer.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

A requirement.
His job makes many demands on his time.
There is a demand for voluntary health workers in the poorer parts of Africa and Asia.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

A unit of the US Air Force that is larger than an air force.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

An urgent request.
She couldn't ignore the newborn baby's demands for attention.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

Of, relating to, or constituting a command
Command headquarters.
A command decision.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

An order.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

Done or performed in response to a command
A command performance.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

(electricity supply) More precisely peak demand or peak load, a measure of the maximum power load of a utility's customer over a short period of time; the power load integrated over a specified time interval.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

An order to do something.
I was given a command to cease shooting.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

To request forcefully.
I demand to see the manager.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

The right or authority to order, control or dispose of; the right to be obeyed or to compel obedience.
To have command of an army
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

To claim a right to something.
The bank is demanding the mortgage payment.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

Power of control, direction or disposal; mastery.
He had command of the situation
England has long held command of the sea
A good command of language
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

To ask forcefully for information.
I demand an immediate explanation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

A position of chief authority; a position involving the right or power to order or control.
General Smith was placed in command.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

To require of someone.
This job demands a lot of patience.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

The act of commanding; exercise or authority of influence.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

(legal) To issue a summons to court.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

(military) A body or troops, or any naval or military force, under the control of a particular officer; by extension, any object or body in someone's charge.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

To ask or call for with authority; to claim or seek from, as by authority or right; to claim, as something due; to call for urgently or peremptorily; as, to demand a debt; to demand obedience.
This, in our foresaid holy father's name,Pope Innocent, I do demand of thee.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

Dominating situation; range or control or oversight; extent of view or outlook.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

To inquire authoritatively or earnestly; to ask, esp. in a peremptory manner; to question.
I did demand what news from Shrewsbury.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

(computing) A directive to a computer program acting as an interpreter of some kind, in order to perform a specific task.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

To require as necessary or useful; to be in urgent need of; hence, to call for; as, the case demands care.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

(baseball) The degree of control a pitcher has over his pitches.
He's got good command tonight.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

To call into court; to summon.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

A command performance.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

To make a demand; to inquire.
The soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do?
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

(ambitransitive) To order, give orders; to compel or direct with authority.
The soldier was commanded to cease firing.
The king commanded his servant to bring him dinner.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

The act of demanding; an asking with authority; a peremptory urging of a claim; a claiming or challenging as due; requisition; as, the demand of a creditor; a note payable on demand.
The demand [is] by the word of the holy ones.
He that has confidence to turn his wishes into demands will be but a little way from thinking he ought to obtain them.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

(ambitransitive) To have or exercise supreme power, control or authority over, especially military; to have under direction or control.
To command an army or a ship
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

Earnest inquiry; question; query.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

(transitive) To require with authority; to demand, order, enjoin.
He commanded silence
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

A diligent seeking or search; manifested want; desire to possess; request; as, a demand for certain goods; a person's company is in great demand.
In 1678 came forth a second edition [Pilgrim's Progress] with additions; and then the demand became immense.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

(transitive) to dominate through ability, resources, position etc.; to overlook.
Bridges commanded by a fortified house. (Motley.)
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

That which one demands or has a right to demand; thing claimed as due; claim; as, demands on an estate.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

(transitive) To exact, compel or secure by influence; to deserve, claim.
A good magistrate commands the respect and affections of the people.
Justice commands the respect and affections of the people.
The best goods command the best price.
This job commands a salary of £30,000.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

The asking or seeking for what is due or claimed as due.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

(transitive) To hold, to control the use of.
The fort commanded the bay.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

The ability and desire to purchase goods and services;
The automobile reduced the demand for buggywhips
The demand exceeded the supply
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

To have a view, as from a superior position.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

An urgent or peremptory request;
His demands for attention were unceasing
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

(obsolete) To direct to come; to bestow.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

A condition requiring relief;
She satisfied his need for affection
God has no need of men to accomplish His work
There is a demand for jobs
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

To order with authority; to lay injunction upon; to direct; to bid; to charge.
We are commanded to forgive our enemies, but you never read that we are commanded to forgive our friends.
Go to your mistress:Say, I command her come to me.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

The act of demanding;
The kidnapper's exorbitant demands for money
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

To exercise direct authority over; to have control of; to have at one's disposal; to lead.
Monmouth commanded the English auxiliaries.
Such aid as I can spare you shall command.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

Required activity;
The requirements of his work affected his health
There were many demands on his time
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

To have within a sphere of control, influence, access, or vision; to dominate by position; to guard; to overlook.
Bridges commanded by a fortified house.
Up to the eastern tower,Whose height commands as subject all the vale.
One side commands a view of the finest garden.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

Request urgently and forcefully;
The victim's family is demanding compensation
The boss demanded that he be fired immediately
She demanded to see the manager
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

To have power or influence of the nature of authority over; to obtain as if by ordering; to receive as a due; to challenge; to claim; as, justice commands the respect and affections of the people; the best goods command the best price.
'Tis not in mortals to command success.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

Require as useful, just, or proper;
It takes nerve to do what she did
Success usually requires hard work
This job asks a lot of patience and skill
This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice
This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert
This intervention does not postulates a patient's consent
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

To direct to come; to bestow.
I will command my blessing upon you.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

Claim as due or just;
The bank demanded payment of the loan
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

To have or to exercise direct authority; to govern; to sway; to influence; to give an order or orders.
And reigned, commanding in his monarchy.
For the king had so commanded concerning [Haman].
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

Lay legal claim to
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

To have a view, as from a superior position.
Far and wide his eye commands.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

Summon to court
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

An authoritative order requiring obedience; a mandate; an injunction.
Awaiting what command their mighty chiefHad to impose.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

Ask to be informed of;
I demand an explanation
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

The possession or exercise of authority.
Command and force may often create, but can never cure, an aversion.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

Demand: a strong request.
The workers' demand for higher wages was justified.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Command

Authority; power or right of control; leadership; as, the forces under his command.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

Demand: the desire of purchasers, consumers, etc., for a particular commodity, service, or other item.
The demand for organic produce is growing.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023

Command

Power to dominate, command, or overlook by means of position; scope of vision; survey.
The steepy standWhich overlooks the vale with wide command.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

Demand: an urgent need.
There's a high demand for water in drought-stricken areas.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Command

Control; power over something; sway; influence; as, to have command over one's temper or voice; the fort has command of the bridge.
He assumed an absolute command over his readers.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Demand

Demand: a call to appear or a summons.
The court issued a demand for his testimony.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023

Command

A body of troops, or any naval or military force or post, or the whole territory under the authority or control of a particular officer.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

An authoritative direction or instruction to do something
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

A military unit or region under the control of a single officer
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

The power or authority to command;
An admiral in command
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

Availability for use;
The materials at the command of the potters grew
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

A position of highest authority;
The corporation has just undergone a change in command
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

Great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity;
A good command of French
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

(computer science) a line of code written as part of a computer program
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

Be in command of;
The general commanded a huge army
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

Make someone do something
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

Demand as one's due;
This speaker commands a high fee
The author commands a fair hearing from his readers
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

Look down on;
The villa dominates the town
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

Exercise authoritative control or power over;
Control the budget
Command the military forces
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 28, 2022

Command

Command: to direct with specific authority or prerogative; order.
The officer commanded his troops to advance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Command

Command: to have control or authority over; rule.
A general commands the army.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Command

Command: an authoritative order or instruction.
His command was to hold the bridge at all costs.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023

FAQs

Can a "Demand" be passive?

Rarely, as it typically conveys urgency or insistence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Does a "Command" require authority?

Yes, it's given by someone with the power to instruct others.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Is a "Demand" always reasonable?

Not necessarily; it can be excessive or unrealistic.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023

Are "Demands" legal claims?

They can be, especially when formalized in legal contexts.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023

Can you refuse a "Command"?

It's generally expected to be followed, but refusal is possible, often with consequences.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Who can make a "Demand"?

Virtually anyone, depending on the context.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

What's a synonym for "Command"?

Order, directive, decree.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023

Can "Demand" relate to economics?

Yes, it often refers to market demand.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Can a "Command" be gentle?

It's usually firm, but the tone can be moderated depending on context.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023

What's "in demand" mean?

It refers to something highly desired or sought after.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023

Can a "Demand" be written?

Yes, it can be verbal or written.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Can "Demands" be collective?

Yes, like group or union demands.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Do "Demands" require justification?

Often they're more compelling with reason, but it's not a requirement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Does "Command" imply responsibility?

Often, as the commander is responsible for outcomes.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023

Can "Commands" be unethical?

The ethical nature depends on the content and context.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023

Are "Commands" always verbal?

They can be verbal, written, or signaled.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023

Is "Command" used in computing?

Yes, as an instruction to a computer.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023

Is "high demand" positive?

Generally, it indicates popularity or necessity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Are "Commands" always serious?

Generally, but they can be lighthearted in informal settings.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

What's "at your command" mean?

Available for your use or action.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

Trending Comparisons

Popular Comparisons

New Comparisons