Behest vs Request: What’s the Difference?

Behest means a formal request, order, or command. 

Request means to ask for something.

As you can see, these two words are almost synonymous. Both mean “asking for something (i.e., some object or action)”— except that behest is only a noun, and has somewhat formal connotations. Whereas request is both a noun and a verb:

We do not give out that information, except at the author’s behest.

You can request anything you like for lunch, but your request may not be fulfilled!

You can make a behest or a request and if so, something may happen at your request or behest. See the sections below for more examples of how these words are used in a sentence. 

How to Use "Request" in a Sentence - More Examples

1. If you want a refund, please send your request in writing.
2. I made a request for help from the teacher.
3. I requested help from my teacher.
4. In my request, I have included the information you need to process my refund.
5. Jonny requested more information about the hotel.
6. The guard requested that the man take off his hat.
7. The president requested that the meeting be moved to a late afternoon slot.
8. I requested a raise from my boss, but she just looked at me confused.
9. I requested to be placed in a private room.
10. You need to request permission before you can leave this building.
11. I just requested a loan from the bank.
12. When the request came in, the mayor was notified immediately.
13. The students requested that the teacher read their story aloud.
14. I'll have to request more time to finish the report.
15. Please request a copy of the document by email.
16. John asked for a raise, but his boss denied his request.
17. When I called the hotline, they said they needed more information to process my request.

How to Use "Behest" in a Sentence - More Examples

1. The Behest of the Queen was to help the princess get to her wedding on time.
2. The king issued a behest to build a new palace to house his throne.
3. A behest was issued for the construction of a new palace to house the king's throne.
4. At the behest of his father, John went to the store to buy a new game.
5. For the third time, at the behest of his wife, Gabe took out the trash.
6. She loves nothing more than to be at the behest of her adoring fans.
7. "At the behest of the king, all the nobles were ordered to attend."
8. At the behest of the families, the members of the town gathered together in the church. 
9. The Bishop was at the behest of the Vatican to perform a mass exorcism of the possessed woman.
10. At the behest of the company, the employee agreed to be part of the study.
11. At the behest of the king, the court jester entertained the royal family.
12. At the behest of his wife, the man left his job and became a stay-at-home dad.
13. At the behest of his father, he quit his job and found work.
14. At the behest of the government, the company increased the number of employees in the region.
15. At the behest of my parents, I am going to a local university.
16. At the behest of their parents, Jake and Amy agreed to take a break from their relationship.
17. At the behest of her parents, she is studying to become a doctor.