Prerequisite vs. Requisite: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 18, 2023

"Prerequisite" refers to something required beforehand, while "Requisite" means something essential or necessary.

Key Differences

A "Prerequisite" often denotes a condition or requirement that must be fulfilled before moving on to a subsequent phase or level. In educational settings, it commonly describes a course that students must complete before taking a more advanced course. This word underscores the idea of progression, where one step prepares or qualifies an individual for the next. For instance, in many colleges, an introductory course in biology might be a prerequisite for advanced biology courses.

Nov 18, 2023

"Requisite," on the other hand, simply indicates a necessary or indispensable condition, quality, or thing. It doesn't inherently possess the chronological element that "prerequisite" does. Rather, it speaks to the fundamental requirements of a particular situation, task, or role. For example, patience might be a requisite quality for a kindergarten teacher.

Nov 18, 2023

In some scenarios, the distinctions between "Prerequisite" and "Requisite" can be nuanced. While all prerequisites are requisites (because they're required), not all requisites are prerequisites. That's because not all essential conditions or things have a preceding chronological order. For instance, water is a requisite for human survival, but it's not a prerequisite in the sense of sequence.

Nov 18, 2023

To add further, "Prerequisite" is more about the sequence and order of requirements, indicating a "first-then" structure. Conversely, "Requisite" denotes importance and necessity without emphasizing any prior condition or sequence.

Nov 18, 2023

In summary, while both terms revolve around the concept of requirements, "Prerequisite" emphasizes a preceding condition or order, whereas "Requisite" speaks to the fundamental necessity of something without a sequential connotation.

Nov 18, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Nature

Something required before another

Something essential or necessary

Nov 18, 2023

Chronology

Has a chronological element

Lacks a chronological emphasis

Nov 18, 2023

Example Usage

"This class is a prerequisite for advanced math."

"Water is a requisite for life."

Nov 18, 2023

Application

Often used in educational settings

Used in various contexts to denote necessity

Nov 18, 2023

Relationship

All prerequisites are requisites

Not all requisites are prerequisites

Nov 18, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Prerequisite and Requisite Definitions

Prerequisite

An action or event preceding or preparing for another

Understanding basic algebra is a prerequisite to calculus.

Oct 20, 2023

Requisite

Necessary for a particular purpose

The requisite skills for the job include multitasking.

Oct 20, 2023

Prerequisite

Condition that must be satisfied before something else can happen

A driver's license is a prerequisite for this job.

Oct 20, 2023

Requisite

A thing that is necessary for a particular outcome

Trust is a requisite in any relationship.

Oct 20, 2023

Prerequisite

Something that is mandatory before an event or action

Reading the material was a prerequisite for the discussion.

Oct 20, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Requisite

Made necessary by particular circumstances

She didn't have the requisite experience for the position.

Oct 20, 2023

Prerequisite

A prior requirement

Good communication skills are a prerequisite in sales roles.

Oct 20, 2023

Requisite

Mandatory for a specific goal or result

The requisite documents must be submitted by Friday.

Oct 20, 2023

Prerequisite

Required or necessary as a prior condition

Competence is prerequisite to promotion.

Oct 13, 2023

Requisite

Essential or indispensable

Determination is a requisite for success.

Oct 20, 2023

Prerequisite

Something that is prerequisite, as a course that is required prior to taking an advanced course.

Oct 13, 2023

Requisite

Required; essential.

Oct 13, 2023

Prerequisite

Required as a prior condition of something else; necessary or indispensable.

The prerequisite warm-up to the match was ignored.

A good command of Spanish is prerequisite for enrolling in this course.

Oct 13, 2023

Requisite

Something that is indispensable; a requirement

Algebra is a requisite for taking calculus.

Oct 13, 2023

Prerequisite

Something that is required as necessary or indispensable, or as a prior condition of something else.

A degree is a prerequisite for entry into this profession.

Oct 13, 2023

Requisite

Essential, indispensable, required.

Please submit the requisite papers before the end of the financial year.

Oct 13, 2023

Prerequisite

In education, a course or topic that must be completed before another course or topic can be started. May be colloquially referred to as a prereq.

Algebra is typically a prerequisite for physics.

Oct 13, 2023

Requisite

An indispensable item; a requirement.

Oct 13, 2023

Prerequisite

Previously required; necessary as a preliminary to any proposed effect or end; as, prerequisite conditions of success.

Oct 13, 2023

Requisite

That which is required, or is necessary; something indispensable.

God, on his part, has declared the requisites on ours; what we must do to obtain blessings, is the great business of us all to know.

Oct 13, 2023

Prerequisite

Something previously required, or necessary to an end or effect proposed.

The necessary prerequisites of freedom.

Oct 13, 2023

Requisite

Required by the nature of things, or by circumstances; so needful that it can not be dispensed with; necessary; indispensable.

All truth requisite for men to know.

Oct 13, 2023

Prerequisite

Something that is required in advance;

Latin was a prerequisite for admission

Oct 13, 2023

Requisite

Anything indispensable;

Food and shelter are necessities of life

The essentials of the good life

Allow farmers to buy their requirements under favorable conditions

A place where the requisites of water fuel and fodder can be obtained

Oct 13, 2023

Prerequisite

Required as a prior condition or course of study

Oct 13, 2023

Requisite

Necessary for relief or supply;

Provided them with all things needful

Oct 13, 2023

Prerequisite

A necessary condition for a subsequent level

The certificate program has several prerequisites.

Oct 20, 2023

FAQs

Can a course have multiple prerequisites?

Yes, some courses may require prior completion of several others.

Nov 18, 2023

Can something be a requisite but not a prerequisite?

Yes, if it's essential but not required beforehand.

Nov 18, 2023

Is the term requisite only used in educational contexts?

No, it denotes necessity in any context.

Nov 18, 2023

Does prerequisite always imply a sequence?

Yes, it indicates a condition or requirement that precedes another.

Nov 18, 2023

Is water a requisite for life?

Yes, water is essential for life.

Nov 18, 2023

Are all prerequisites also requisites?

Yes, because they are required.

Nov 18, 2023

How do prerequisites and requisites relate to eligibility?

They set the conditions for eligibility in various contexts.

Nov 18, 2023

How do I know if something is a prerequisite?

It will be stated as a condition to be met before a subsequent step.

Nov 18, 2023

Can requisite refer to personal qualities?

Yes, like patience being a requisite for teaching.

Nov 18, 2023

Can a skill be a prerequisite for a job?

Yes, certain skills might be required before applying for specific jobs.

Nov 18, 2023

Can experience be a requisite for a position?

Yes, many jobs require specific experience.

Nov 18, 2023

Why are prerequisites important in education?

They ensure students have foundational knowledge before advancing.

Nov 18, 2023

Are requisites subjective?

They can be, depending on who's defining what's necessary.

Nov 18, 2023

Can a personal quality be a requisite for success?

Absolutely, like perseverance being a requisite for long-term success.

Nov 18, 2023

Is a passport a prerequisite for international travel?

Yes, it's required before traveling to most countries.

Nov 18, 2023

Are prerequisites more rigid than requisites?

They're more about sequence, but both denote some form of requirement.

Nov 18, 2023

Are all requisites explicitly stated?

Not always, some are implied based on context.

Nov 18, 2023

Can a requisite be a personal preference?

If someone deems it necessary for a specific context, then yes.

Nov 18, 2023

Do all university courses have prerequisites?

No, but many advanced courses do to ensure students are prepared.

Nov 18, 2023

Is equipment always a requisite for a task?

It depends on the task; some tasks may require specific equipment.

Nov 18, 2023

Composition vs. Comprehension

About Author

Written by

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

Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.