Demand vs. Command — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 1, 2023
Demand is a request made with authority, while Command is an authoritative order or instruction.
Difference Between Demand and Command
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Demand, in general, conveys a strong request or desire for something to happen. For example, customers may demand a particular product or service from a company. On the other hand, Command carries a tone of authority, often implying that there is no choice but to obey or comply.
Demand is also used in the context of economics to describe the quantity of a product that consumers are willing and able to purchase. Command, in contrast, can be used to describe a directive or order given by someone in authority, such as a military officer or a software developer giving a command to a computer.
Demand can often be tied to conditions, implying a need or requirement. For instance, a job might demand specific skills or qualifications. Command, however, is unequivocal and direct, often expecting immediate action or response without conditions attached.
Demand can often be negotiated or discussed, indicating flexibility. A consumer might demand a refund but be willing to accept a replacement. Command doesn’t offer this flexibility; it’s a directive that requires obedience, such as a general commanding troops to advance.
Finally, the term Demand is commonly used in scenarios where the person demanding may or may not have authority, but is expressing a strong desire or need. Command, in its essence, always comes from a position of authority, where the expectation is clear and non-negotiable.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Nature
A strong request or desire.
An authoritative order or instruction.
Context of Usage
Often used in commerce and economics.
Commonly used in military and computing contexts.
Flexibility
Can be negotiated or discussed.
Generally non-negotiable and requires immediate compliance.
Implied Authority
May or may not come from a position of authority.
Typically comes from a position of authority.
Associated Terms
Demand curve, demand letter, demand response.
Command chain, command line, command prompt.
Compare with Definitions
Demand
A legal claim.
She filed a demand for payment.
Command
An authoritative instruction.
The officer gave a command to halt.
Demand
In economics, demand is the quantity of a good that consumers are willing and able to purchase at various prices during a given period of time. The relationship between price and quantity demanded is also called the demand curve.
Command
The ability to control or use something.
He has a good command of the English language.
Demand
An insistent and peremptory request, made as of right
A series of demands for far-reaching reforms
Command
A specific directive in computing.
Type the command and press enter.
Demand
Ask authoritatively or brusquely
‘Where is she?’ he demanded
The police demanded that he give them the names
Command
A position of authority.
She took command of the situation.
Demand
To ask for urgently or peremptorily
Demand an investigation into the murder.
Demanding that he leave immediately.
Demanded to speak to the manager.
Command
Give an authoritative or peremptory order
‘Stop arguing!’ he commanded
My mother commands my presence
He commanded that work should cease
A gruff voice commanded us to enter
Demand
To claim as just or due
Demand repayment of a loan.
Command
Dominate (a strategic position) from a superior height
The fortress commands the shortest Channel crossing
Demand
To ask to be informed of
Demanded an explanation for the interruption.
Command
Be in a strong enough position to have or secure
They command a majority in Parliament
He commanded considerable personal loyalty
Demand
To require as useful, just, proper, or necessary; call for
A gem that demands a fine setting.
Command
An authoritative order
He obeyed her commands without question
Demand
To lay legal claim to; claim formally.
Command
The ability to use or control something
He had a brilliant command of English
Demand
To ask that (something) be done in accordance with a legal requirement.
Command
An instruction or signal causing a computer to perform one of its basic functions.
Demand
To make a demand.
Command
To direct with authority; give orders to.
Demand
An act of demanding; an urgent request.
Command
To have control or authority over; rule
A general who commands an army.
Demand
Something demanded
On strike until they get their demands.
Command
To have at one's disposal
A person who commands seven languages.
Demand
An urgent requirement or need
The heavy demands of her job.
The emotional demands of his marriage.
An increased oxygen demand.
Command
To deserve and receive as due; exact
The troops' bravery commanded respect.
Demand
The state of being sought after
In great demand as a speaker.
Command
To exercise dominating, authoritative influence over
"He commands any room he enters" (Stephen Schiff).
Demand
(Economics) The desire for goods or services in an economy, measured as the amount people are ready to buy at a given price
Supply should rise to meet demand.
Command
To dominate by physical position; overlook
A mountain commanding the valley below.
Demand
A formal claim.
Command
To give orders.
Demand
A request that some act be done or payment made in accordance with a legal requirement.
Command
To exercise authority or control as or as if one is a commander.
Demand
(Archaic) An emphatic question or inquiry.
Command
The act of commanding.
Demand
The desire to purchase goods and services.
Prices usually go up when demand exceeds supply.
Command
An order given with authority.
Demand
(economics) The amount of a good or service that consumers are willing to buy at a particular price.
Command
(Computers) A signal that initiates an operation defined by an instruction.
Demand
A forceful claim for something.
Modern society is responding to women's demands for equality.
Command
The authority to command
An admiral in command.
Demand
A requirement.
His job makes many demands on his time.
There is a demand for voluntary health workers in the poorer parts of Africa and Asia.
Command
Possession and exercise of the authority to command
Command of the seas.
Demand
An urgent request.
She couldn't ignore the newborn baby's demands for attention.
Command
Ability to control or use; mastery
Command of four languages.
Demand
An order.
Command
Dominance by location; extent of view.
Demand
(electricity supply) More precisely peak demand or peak load, a measure of the maximum power load of a utility's customer over a short period of time; the power load integrated over a specified time interval.
Command
The jurisdiction of a commander.
Demand
To request forcefully.
I demand to see the manager.
Command
A military unit, post, district, or region under the control of one officer.
Demand
To claim a right to something.
The bank is demanding the mortgage payment.
Command
A unit of the US Air Force that is larger than an air force.
Demand
To ask forcefully for information.
I demand an immediate explanation.
Command
Of, relating to, or constituting a command
Command headquarters.
A command decision.
Demand
To require of someone.
This job demands a lot of patience.
Command
Done or performed in response to a command
A command performance.
Demand
(legal) To issue a summons to court.
Command
An order to do something.
I was given a command to cease shooting.
Demand
To ask or call for with authority; to claim or seek from, as by authority or right; to claim, as something due; to call for urgently or peremptorily; as, to demand a debt; to demand obedience.
This, in our foresaid holy father's name,Pope Innocent, I do demand of thee.
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
Demand
To inquire authoritatively or earnestly; to ask, esp. in a peremptory manner; to question.
I did demand what news from Shrewsbury.
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
Demand
To require as necessary or useful; to be in urgent need of; hence, to call for; as, the case demands care.
Command
A position of chief authority; a position involving the right or power to order or control.
General Smith was placed in command.
Demand
To call into court; to summon.
Command
The act of commanding; exercise or authority of influence.
Demand
To make a demand; to inquire.
The soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do?
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.
Demand
The act of demanding; an asking with authority; a peremptory urging of a claim; a claiming or challenging as due; requisition; as, the demand of a creditor; a note payable on demand.
The demand [is] by the word of the holy ones.
He that has confidence to turn his wishes into demands will be but a little way from thinking he ought to obtain them.
Command
Dominating situation; range or control or oversight; extent of view or outlook.
Demand
Earnest inquiry; question; query.
Command
(computing) A directive to a computer program acting as an interpreter of some kind, in order to perform a specific task.
Demand
A diligent seeking or search; manifested want; desire to possess; request; as, a demand for certain goods; a person's company is in great demand.
In 1678 came forth a second edition [Pilgrim's Progress] with additions; and then the demand became immense.
Command
(baseball) The degree of control a pitcher has over his pitches.
He's got good command tonight.
Demand
That which one demands or has a right to demand; thing claimed as due; claim; as, demands on an estate.
Command
A command performance.
Demand
The asking or seeking for what is due or claimed as due.
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.
Demand
The ability and desire to purchase goods and services;
The automobile reduced the demand for buggywhips
The demand exceeded the supply
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
Demand
An urgent or peremptory request;
His demands for attention were unceasing
Command
(transitive) To require with authority; to demand, order, enjoin.
He commanded silence
Demand
A condition requiring relief;
She satisfied his need for affection
God has no need of men to accomplish His work
There is a demand for jobs
Command
(transitive) to dominate through ability, resources, position etc.; to overlook.
Bridges commanded by a fortified house. (Motley.)
Demand
The act of demanding;
The kidnapper's exorbitant demands for money
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.
Demand
Required activity;
The requirements of his work affected his health
There were many demands on his time
Command
(transitive) To hold, to control the use of.
The fort commanded the bay.
Demand
Request urgently and forcefully;
The victim's family is demanding compensation
The boss demanded that he be fired immediately
She demanded to see the manager
Command
To have a view, as from a superior position.
Demand
Require as useful, just, or proper;
It takes nerve to do what she did
Success usually requires hard work
This job asks a lot of patience and skill
This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice
This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert
This intervention does not postulates a patient's consent
Command
(obsolete) To direct to come; to bestow.
Demand
Claim as due or just;
The bank demanded payment of the loan
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.
Demand
Lay legal claim to
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.
Demand
Summon to court
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.
Demand
Ask to be informed of;
I demand an explanation
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.
Demand
A strong request for something.
The public's demand for organic food has risen.
Command
To direct to come; to bestow.
I will command my blessing upon you.
Demand
The quantity of a product that consumers are willing to buy.
The demand for smartphones is high.
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].
Demand
An urgent need.
The accident created a demand for blood donors.
Command
To have a view, as from a superior position.
Far and wide his eye commands.
Demand
To ask for something with authority.
The teacher demanded attention from the class.
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
Command
To order someone to do something.
She commanded him to stay.
Common Curiosities
Can a "demand" be negotiable?
Yes, a "demand" can often be discussed or negotiated, unlike a "command" which is more directive.
What is a "command prompt" in computing?
A command prompt is a user interface where users input commands directly to a computer system.
Is "demand" always related to products or services?
No, "demand" can also refer to requirements, desires, or urgent needs unrelated to commerce.
What does it mean to have "command" of a language?
Having "command" of a language means possessing a strong ability or mastery over it.
How is "demand" used in legal contexts?
In legal contexts, a "demand" might refer to a formal request or claim, like a demand for payment.
Is a "demand" always a strong request?
While "demand" often conveys a strong request, its intensity can vary depending on context.
How does a "demand curve" relate to "demand"?
A "demand curve" in economics represents the relationship between the price of a product and the quantity demanded.
What does "demand" mean in economics?
In economics, "demand" refers to the quantity of a product that consumers are willing and able to purchase at a given price.
Can a "command" be given by anyone?
Typically, a "command" comes from someone in a position of authority, but context matters.
What is a "command chain"?
A "command chain" refers to the hierarchical sequence of authority in organizations, especially military.
How do "demand" and "command" differ in terms of authority?
"Demand" may or may not come from a position of authority, while "command" typically implies a greater level of authority.
Can a "command" be a request?
While a "command" is more authoritative, it can be perceived as a request depending on tone and context.
What does it mean to "command" attention?
To "command" attention means to strongly capture or hold someone's focus.
Are "commands" exclusive to military and computing contexts?
No, while commonly used in those areas, "commands" can be found in various contexts where authoritative instructions are given.
Can "demand" imply urgency?
Yes, "demand" can convey a sense of urgency, especially when something is critically needed.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Bookmark vs. Bookmarker
Next Comparison
Speculatory vs. SpeculativeAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba 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.
