French Conversation · Level 44
75 words
French word
exiger
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛgziʒe/
Meaning
- verbdemand
Example
Le client exige un remboursement.
The customer demands a refund.
More examples
La direction exige des excuses publiques.
Management demands a public apology.
Core concept
A demand pushed forward as necessary, leaving no room for negotiation.
Common phrases
exiger des excuses
demand an apology
exiger une réponse
demand an answer
exiger la vérité
demand the truth
Similar words
demander: To ask someone for something by expressing a wish or making a request.
imposer: To impose a condition or idea on someone and make them comply.
réclamer: To claim a refund or payment as a matter of right.
Definition in French
Exprimer une demande ferme et non négociable, en insistant sur l'obligation ou la nécessité de ce qui est demandé.
Word origin
French exiger comes from Latin exigere, formed from ex- and agere, and developed the sense of pressing for something as required.
Usage tips
- Exiger sounds markedly forceful, so demander is usually safer for a neutral or polite request.