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Bequest vs. Request — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 16, 2024
Bequest refers to a gift left in a will, typically of personal property or money, whereas request is the act of asking for something.
Bequest vs. Request — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Bequest and Request

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Key Differences

Bequest pertains to the act of leaving assets to beneficiaries through a will. It usually involves personal property, money, or other assets to be distributed after one's death. This term is legal in nature and is specifically tied to the execution of a will. Request, on the other hand, involves the action of asking for something. It can be verbal or written and is not tied to legal proceedings. A request can be made in various contexts, such as asking for help, information, or permission.
In terms of usage, bequest is used in legal and formal contexts related to inheritance. It is often found in legal documents and discussions about estate planning. Conversely, request is more commonly used in everyday conversation and writing, as it covers a wide range of asking scenarios.
While bequest is a noun specifically related to what is left to others in a will, request can function as both a noun and a verb. For example, one can make a request (noun) or request something (verb).
Bequest carries a sense of finality and is associated with the end of life and the distribution of one's estate. Request, however, is part of everyday communication and can be casual or formal depending on the context.

Comparison Chart

Definition

A gift left in a will
The act of asking for something
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Usage Context

Legal, related to wills and inheritance
Everyday communication

Grammatical Use

Noun
Noun and verb

Formality

Formal, legal
Casual to formal

Associated With

Estate distribution after death
Seeking assistance, information, etc.

Compare with Definitions

Bequest

The act of bequeathing property or money.
His bequest included several valuable paintings.

Request

The state of being sought after or needed.
The song was played by request of the audience.

Bequest

Legacy or inheritance.
The charity benefited greatly from his bequest.

Request

To ask for something formally or politely.
He requested a meeting with the manager.

Bequest

A bequest is property given by will. Historically, the term bequest was used for personal property given by will and deviser for real property.

Request

A formal petition or application.
The request for a permit was approved.

Bequest

A legacy
A bequest of over £300,000

Request

An act of asking politely or formally for something
A request for information
The club's excursion was postponed at the request of some of the members

Bequest

(Law) The act of giving or leaving personal property by a will.

Request

Politely or formally ask for
The chairman requested that the reports be considered
He received the information he had requested

Bequest

Something that is bequeathed; a legacy.

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.

Bequest

The act of bequeathing or leaving by will.

Request

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

Bequest

The transfer of property upon the owner's death according to the will of the deceased.

Request

An act of asking for something.

Bequest

That which is left by will; a legacy.

Request

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

Bequest

That which has been handed down or transmitted.

Request

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

Bequest

A person's inheritance; an amount of property given by will.

Request

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

Bequest

(transitive) To give as a bequest; bequeath.

Request

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

Bequest

The act of bequeathing or leaving by will; as, a bequest of property by A. to B.

Request

A formal message requesting something.

Bequest

That which is left by will, esp. personal property; a legacy; also, a gift.

Request

Condition of being sought after.

Bequest

To bequeath, or leave as a legacy.

Request

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

Bequest

(law) a gift of personal property by will

Request

(obsolete) That which is asked for or requested.

Bequest

A gift left to someone in a will.
She received a bequest of $10,000 from her uncle's will.

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.

Bequest

Something given or handed down.
The family heirloom was a bequest from her grandmother.

Request

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

Bequest

Property transferred via a will.
The bequest specified that the house would go to his niece.

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.

Request

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

Request

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

Request

A formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority

Request

The verbal act of requesting

Request

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

Request

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

Request

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

Request

An appeal or solicitation.
His request for assistance was granted.

Common Curiosities

What does it mean to request something?

To request something means to ask for it, usually politely or formally.

What is a bequest?

A bequest is a gift left to someone in a will.

Can a bequest include real estate?

Yes, a bequest can include real estate as well as personal property.

Is a bequest the same as an inheritance?

A bequest is a type of inheritance, specifically one that is designated in a will.

How formal is the term request?

Request can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Is a bequest revocable?

A bequest can be changed or revoked as long as the will's creator is alive and mentally competent.

Can a request be informal?

Yes, a request can be informal or formal, depending on the context.

What happens if a bequest is unclear?

If a bequest is unclear, it may be subject to legal interpretation or dispute.

Are bequests only mentioned in wills?

Typically, yes, bequests are specified in wills and legal documents.

Can a request be denied?

Yes, a request can be granted or denied based on circumstances.

Can request be used in legal documents?

Yes, request can be used in legal documents, but it’s more common in everyday language.

What is the legal significance of a bequest?

It determines how an individual’s estate is distributed after their death.

Can request be used as both noun and verb?

Yes, request can function as both a noun and a verb.

What are common examples of bequests?

Common examples include money, property, jewelry, and stocks.

Why are bequests important in estate planning?

Bequests ensure that an individual’s assets are distributed according to their wishes.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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