Difference Wiki

Request vs. Command: What's the Difference?

Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 27, 2023
A "Request" is a polite appeal for something, while a "Command" is an authoritative order or instruction.

Key Differences

A "Request" and a "Command" represent two distinct modes of asking or directing someone to perform a task. A request is characterized by its polite and considerate tone, usually implying a choice for the recipient, allowing them to agree or decline. In contrast, a command is marked by its assertiveness and authoritative nature, emphasizing an expectation of compliance and typically leaving no room for refusal.
Diving deeper into the term "Request," it revolves around the concept of politeness and discretion, emanating a sense of respect for the recipient’s autonomy. It essentially indicates a desire or a need, extending the recipient the freedom to consider and decide. Oppositely, "Command" implies a degree of authority and control, often dictating a clear and direct order that anticipates obedience, making it a more rigid and obligatory form of communication.
Analyzing the usage of "Request," it’s common in interactions where mutual respect and courtesy are emphasized, aiming to maintain a harmonious and collaborative relationship between the parties involved. On the other hand, "Command" is predominant in situations where a hierarchical structure exists, with the issuer holding a position of power or authority over the recipient, necessitating a prompt and unequivocal execution of the instruction.
The contextual application of "Request" usually facilitates a more congenial and cooperative environment, fostering positive interactions and mutual understanding. Conversely, the employment of "Command" establishes a clear line of authority and expectation, which can be crucial in situations demanding immediate action and compliance, such as in military operations or emergency situations.

Comparison Chart

Aspect

Request
Command
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Nature

Polite appeal
Authoritative order

Tone

Considerate and respectful
Assertive and directive

Recipient’s Choice

Has the option to agree or decline
Expected to comply without refusal

Usage Context

Mutual respect and courtesy are emphasized
Hierarchical structure, necessitating prompt execution

Level of Obligation

Non-obligatory, subject to recipient’s willingness
Obligatory, anticipates obedience
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Request and Command Definitions

Request

An inquiry or petition intended to gain a favor or permission.
Sarah submitted a request to access the restricted files.

Command

An authoritative order or instruction.
The officer gave a command to advance.

Request

An act of asking for something to be given or done.
The manager will consider your request for a salary increase.

Command

The ability to control or dominate.
He has a good command of the English language.

Request

A polite appeal or petition for something.
She sent a request for additional information.

Command

A directive given to a computer program.
Enter the command to execute the program.

Request

To express a desire for, especially politely; ask for. Often used with an infinitive or clause
Requested information about the experiment.
Requested to see the evidence firsthand.
Requested that the bus driver stop at the next corner.

Command

A position of authority or control.
He assumed command of the regiment.

Request

To ask (a person) to do something
The police requested her to accompany them.

Command

A precise instruction enforcing action.
The general issued a command to retreat.

Request

An act of asking for something.

Command

To direct with authority; give orders to.

Request

Something asked for
Wasn't happy until he got his request.

Command

To have control or authority over; rule
A general who commands an army.

Request

To ask for (something).
The corporal requested reinforcements.
I have requested that the furniture be moved back to its original position.

Command

To have at one's disposal
A person who commands seven languages.

Request

(transitive) To ask (somebody) to do something.
She called me into her office and requested me to sit down.

Command

To deserve and receive as due; exact
The troops' bravery commanded respect.

Request

Act of requesting (with the adposition at in the presence of possessives, and on in their absence).

Command

To exercise dominating, authoritative influence over
"He commands any room he enters" (Stephen Schiff).

Request

A formal message requesting something.

Command

To dominate by physical position; overlook
A mountain commanding the valley below.

Request

Condition of being sought after.

Command

To give orders.

Request

(networking) A message sent over a network to a server.
The server returned a 404 error to the HTTP request.

Command

To exercise authority or control as or as if one is a commander.

Request

(obsolete) That which is asked for or requested.

Command

The act of commanding.

Request

The act of asking for anything desired; expression of desire or demand; solicitation; prayer; petition; entreaty.
I will marry her, sir, at your request.

Command

An order given with authority.

Request

That which is asked for or requested.
I will both hear and grant you your requests.

Command

(Computers) A signal that initiates an operation defined by an instruction.

Request

A state of being desired or held in such estimation as to be sought after or asked for; demand.
Knowledge and fame were in as great request as wealth among us now.

Command

The authority to command
An admiral in command.

Request

To ask for (something); to express desire ffor; to solicit; as, to request his presence, or a favor.

Command

Possession and exercise of the authority to command
Command of the seas.

Request

To address with a request; to ask.
I request youTo give my poor host freedom.

Command

Ability to control or use; mastery
Command of four languages.

Request

A formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority

Command

Dominance by location; extent of view.

Request

The verbal act of requesting

Command

The jurisdiction of a commander.

Request

Express the need or desire for; ask for;
She requested an extra bed in her room
She called for room service

Command

A military unit, post, district, or region under the control of one officer.

Request

Ask (a person) to do something;
She asked him to be here at noon
I requested that she type the entire manuscript

Command

A unit of the US Air Force that is larger than an air force.

Request

Inquire for (information);
I requested information from the secretary

Command

Of, relating to, or constituting a command
Command headquarters.
A command decision.

Request

An expression of a desire to obtain something.
John made a request for time off.

Command

Done or performed in response to a command
A command performance.

Request

A formal message asking for something.
The request for proposal was sent to various vendors.

Command

An order to do something.
I was given a command to cease shooting.

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

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

Command

A position of chief authority; a position involving the right or power to order or control.
General Smith was placed in command.

Command

The act of commanding; exercise or authority of influence.

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.

Command

Dominating situation; range or control or oversight; extent of view or outlook.

Command

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

Command

(baseball) The degree of control a pitcher has over his pitches.
He's got good command tonight.

Command

A command performance.

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.

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

Command

(transitive) To require with authority; to demand, order, enjoin.
He commanded silence

Command

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

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.

Command

(transitive) To hold, to control the use of.
The fort commanded the bay.

Command

To have a view, as from a superior position.

Command

(obsolete) To direct to come; to bestow.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Command

To direct to come; to bestow.
I will command my blessing upon you.

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].

Command

To have a view, as from a superior position.
Far and wide his eye commands.

Command

An authoritative order requiring obedience; a mandate; an injunction.
Awaiting what command their mighty chiefHad to impose.

Command

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

Command

Authority; power or right of control; leadership; as, the forces under his command.

Command

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

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.

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.

Command

An authoritative direction or instruction to do something

Command

A military unit or region under the control of a single officer

Command

The power or authority to command;
An admiral in command

Command

Availability for use;
The materials at the command of the potters grew

Command

A position of highest authority;
The corporation has just undergone a change in command

Command

Great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity;
A good command of French

Command

(computer science) a line of code written as part of a computer program

Command

Be in command of;
The general commanded a huge army

Command

Make someone do something

Command

Demand as one's due;
This speaker commands a high fee
The author commands a fair hearing from his readers

Command

Look down on;
The villa dominates the town

Command

Exercise authoritative control or power over;
Control the budget
Command the military forces

FAQs

Is a command obligatory?

Generally, yes. A command typically requires compliance.

Is a request always polite?

Typically, yes. A request is usually made in a polite and considerate manner.

Can a request be declined?

Yes, a request can generally be agreed to or declined as it implies a choice.

Is a command more authoritative than a request?

Yes, a command is authoritative and expects obedience.

Can a command be soft-spoken?

While it can be conveyed calmly, a command, by nature, is directive and enforces action.

Is a request more collaborative?

Yes, a request is usually more conducive to collaborative and harmonious interactions.

Does a command necessitate immediate action?

Typically, yes. Commands usually require prompt and unequivocal execution.

Is command related to positions of power?

Yes, commands are often issued by individuals in positions of authority or power.

Is making a request a formal way of asking?

It can be, depending on the context. Requests can be both formal and informal.

Can a request imply respect for the recipient’s autonomy?

Yes, a request often implies respect and consideration for the recipient’s autonomy.

Can a request be made in different tones?

Absolutely, a request can be conveyed in varied tones, maintaining a sense of politeness.

Is a request non-binding?

Yes, a request is generally non-binding and subject to the recipient's willingness.

Can both request and command be verbal or written?

Yes, both requests and commands can be conveyed verbally or in writing.

Does a command imply a level of control?

Yes, a command implies a degree of control or authority over the recipient.

Does a command establish clear expectations?

Yes, a command establishes clear and direct expectations of compliance.
About Author
Written by
Janet White
Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie Carlson
Aimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.

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