What does requisite mean?
Requisite is a formal word meaning necessary or essential. When used as an adjective, it describes something indispensable for a particular purpose: reliable software, for example, is a requisite tool for the job. As a noun, a requisite is an item or quality that is needed, as in the basic requisites for a camping trip. The word often carries a measured, official tone, making it especially suitable for professional, academic, or legal contexts, though it can sound unnecessarily formal in casual conversation. It is more emphatic than merely useful and often suggests that the thing described is not optional in the circumstances. Its distinctive Latin-derived history also connects it with words such as require and request, all of which involve needing or asking for something.
Necessary or essential for a particular purpose.
"The proposal contains all of the requisite information for the committee to make a decision."
Formal in register; often more emphatic than necessary.
Something needed or indispensable for a particular purpose.
"The employer listed previous experience as a requisite for the post."
Usually used in formal or professional contexts.
The plural is used especially for necessary items, qualities, or equipment.
"The hikers packed all the requisites for a night in the mountains."
Requisite has a quietly persuasive sound: it describes not merely what is wanted, but what cannot be done without.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does requisite come from?
Requisite comes through French from Latin requisitus, the past participle of requirere, meaning “to seek” or “to ask for.” The Latin verb combines re- with quaerere, “to seek,” and its related forms include request and require. The adjective entered English in the late 16th century, while the noun sense, meaning something necessary, became established later.
Related word forms
How requisite is actually used
The adjective is formal and often sounds more emphatic or elegant than necessary. The noun is also formal and commonly appears in the expression a requisite for, especially when discussing requirements for a role, activity, or qualification.
Easily confused with requisite
Required is the past participle and adjective form of require, whereas requisite is an adjective and noun meaning necessary or something necessary.