Command vs. Demand: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A command is an authoritative order, while a demand is a strong request often backed by a right or authority.
Key Differences
A command typically emanates from a position of authority or power, requiring obedience without question. It's often used in hierarchical settings like military or organizational structures. Demand, on the other hand, is a strong request, usually made with an expectation of compliance. It can come from a position of authority but also reflects the needs or requirements of individuals or groups.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
The nature of a command is often non-negotiable, carrying an implicit understanding that it must be followed. This is especially true in structured environments where commands maintain order and hierarchy. In contrast, a demand, while firm, may allow for negotiation or discussion. It often arises in situations where someone seeks to assert their needs or rights.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Commands are typically clear and direct, leaving little room for ambiguity. They are essential for quick decision-making and action, particularly in emergencies or structured scenarios. Demands, however, can vary in their tone and urgency, sometimes used in persuasive or argumentative contexts to emphasize the importance of a request.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
In terms of communication, a command is usually concise and to the point, emphasizing immediate action. It is a tool for directing behavior or actions towards a specific outcome. A demand, though possibly concise, often carries an underlying reason or justification, highlighting the demander's perspective or need.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
The reception of a command is generally expected to be compliance, often without question. It’s a top-down approach in communication. On the other hand, a demand, even though it seeks compliance, may lead to negotiation or resistance, as it often originates from an equal standing or even from a position of lesser authority seeking recognition of its needs or rights.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Command and Demand Definitions
Command
Control or authority over something.
She has a good command of French.
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Nov 25, 2023
Demand
The desire of consumers for a product.
There's a high demand for organic produce.
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Nov 25, 2023
Command
An authoritative order.
The teacher's command was to complete the assignment by Monday.
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Nov 25, 2023
Demand
A need for something to be provided.
The demand for better internet speed is growing.
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Nov 25, 2023
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Demand
To ask for urgently or peremptorily
Demand an investigation into the murder.
Demanding that he leave immediately.
Demanded to speak to the manager.
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
To have control or authority over; rule
A general who commands an army.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
To ask to be informed of
Demanded an explanation for the interruption.
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
To deserve and receive as due; exact
The troops' bravery commanded respect.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
To require as useful, just, proper, or necessary; call for
A gem that demands a fine setting.
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
To exercise dominating, authoritative influence over
"He commands any room he enters" (Stephen Schiff).
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
To dominate by physical position; overlook
A mountain commanding the valley below.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
To ask that (something) be done in accordance with a legal requirement.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
An urgent requirement or need
The heavy demands of her job.
The emotional demands of his marriage.
An increased oxygen demand.
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
(Computers) A signal that initiates an operation defined by an instruction.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
Possession and exercise of the authority to command
Command of the seas.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
A request that some act be done or payment made in accordance with a legal requirement.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
The desire to purchase goods and services.
Prices usually go up when demand exceeds supply.
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
A military unit, post, district, or region under the control of one officer.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
(economics) The amount of a good or service that consumers are willing to buy at a particular price.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
A forceful claim for something.
Modern society is responding to women's demands for equality.
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
Of, relating to, or constituting a command
Command headquarters.
A command decision.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
An urgent request.
She couldn't ignore the newborn baby's demands for attention.
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
A position of chief authority; a position involving the right or power to order or control.
General Smith was placed in command.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
To claim a right to something.
The bank is demanding the mortgage payment.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
To ask forcefully for information.
I demand an immediate explanation.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
Dominating situation; range or control or oversight; extent of view or outlook.
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
(computing) A directive to a computer program acting as an interpreter of some kind, in order to perform a specific task.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
(baseball) The degree of control a pitcher has over his pitches.
He's got good command tonight.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
To inquire authoritatively or earnestly; to ask, esp. in a peremptory manner; to question.
I did demand what news from Shrewsbury.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
To require as necessary or useful; to be in urgent need of; hence, to call for; as, the case demands care.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
To make a demand; to inquire.
The soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do?
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
(transitive) To require with authority; to demand, order, enjoin.
He commanded silence
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
(transitive) to dominate through ability, resources, position etc.; to overlook.
Bridges commanded by a fortified house. (Motley.)
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
(transitive) To hold, to control the use of.
The fort commanded the bay.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
That which one demands or has a right to demand; thing claimed as due; claim; as, demands on an estate.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
The ability and desire to purchase goods and services;
The automobile reduced the demand for buggywhips
The demand exceeded the supply
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
An urgent or peremptory request;
His demands for attention were unceasing
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
Required activity;
The requirements of his work affected his health
There were many demands on his time
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
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].
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
To have a view, as from a superior position.
Far and wide his eye commands.
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
An authoritative order requiring obedience; a mandate; an injunction.
Awaiting what command their mighty chiefHad to impose.
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
The possession or exercise of authority.
Command and force may often create, but can never cure, an aversion.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Command
Authority; power or right of control; leadership; as, the forces under his command.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Command
Power to dominate, command, or overlook by means of position; scope of vision; survey.
The steepy standWhich overlooks the vale with wide command.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Demand
Insistence on something being done.
She demands respect from her students.
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Nov 25, 2023
Command
Availability for use;
The materials at the command of the potters grew
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
A position of highest authority;
The corporation has just undergone a change in command
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
Great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity;
A good command of French
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
(computer science) a line of code written as part of a computer program
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
Demand as one's due;
This speaker commands a high fee
The author commands a fair hearing from his readers
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
Exercise authoritative control or power over;
Control the budget
Command the military forces
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Oct 19, 2023
Command
Instruction given by authority.
The general issued a command to retreat.
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Nov 25, 2023
Command
Ability to use or access something.
His command of the situation was impressive.
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Nov 25, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is command always authoritative?
Yes, it usually implies authority or control.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Can anyone make a demand?
Yes, demands can be made by anyone, often reflecting personal rights or needs.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Can a demand be polite?
Yes, demands can be made politely, though they still carry a sense of urgency or necessity.
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Dec 03, 2023
Can a demand lead to a dialogue?
Yes, demands can initiate discussions or negotiations.
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Dec 03, 2023
Are commands negotiable?
Typically, commands are not open to negotiation, especially in structured environments.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Do demands imply urgency?
Often, yes. Demands usually carry a sense of urgency or importance.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Is a command always related to control?
Generally, yes. Commands are about directing or controlling actions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Do demands always require immediate action?
Not necessarily immediate, but timely action is often expected.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Is a command a form of communication?
Yes, it's a direct and authoritative form of communication.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Is a command always verbal?
No, commands can be conveyed through written instructions or even non-verbal cues in certain contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Does a command imply immediate compliance?
Typically, yes. Immediate response is often expected.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Are demands always explicit?
Mostly, though they can sometimes be implied in certain contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Can a command be questioned?
In strict hierarchies, less likely, but it depends on the situation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Do demands reflect personal preferences?
Often, as they are based on individual needs or expectations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Are commands used in everyday language?
Less frequently; they're more common in structured or formal settings.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Is following a command always mandatory?
In most contexts where commands are given, yes, but there are exceptions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Can a command be ignored?
In theory, no, but it depends on the context and consequences.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Can a demand be unreasonable?
Yes, demands can sometimes be unrealistic or excessive.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Can demands be fulfilled gradually?
Yes, some demands can be met over time or through a process.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Are demands always serious?
Not always, but they do convey a strong request or need.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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