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Petition: meaning, definitions and examples

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petition

 

[ pəˈtɪʃ(ə)n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

formal

A formal written request, typically one signed by many people, appealing to authority in respect of a particular cause.

Synonyms

appeal, plea, request.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
petition

Used when a formal written request is made to an authority, often signed by multiple people, asking for a specific action.

  • The community filed a petition to stop the construction of the factory.
  • She signed a petition for better working conditions.
appeal

Appropriate when making a serious or urgent request for help or support, often in a legal, emotional, or persuasive manner.

  • He launched an appeal for donations to help the flood victims.
  • The lawyer made an emotional appeal to the jury.
request

General term for asking for something to be done or given. It can be informal or formal but does not carry the weight or urgency often implied by the other terms.

  • I sent a request to join the meeting at 3 PM tomorrow.
  • Can I make a request for a day off next week?
plea

Used when making a heartfelt, earnest request, often in a desperate or emotional situation. It can also be used in legal contexts to denote a formal statement made by a defendant.

  • Her plea for her child's safety moved everyone in the room.
  • The defendant entered a plea of not guilty.

Examples of usage

  • Over 100,000 signatures were collected for the petition to be presented to the government.
  • The petition called for better protection of the environment.
  • She started a petition to save the local library from closure.

Translations

Translations of the word "petition" in other languages:

🇵🇹 petição

🇮🇳 याचिका

🇩🇪 Petition

🇮🇩 petisi

🇺🇦 петиція

🇵🇱 petycja

🇯🇵 嘆願 (tangan)

🇫🇷 pétition

🇪🇸 petición

🇹🇷 dilekçe

🇰🇷 청원 (cheongwon)

🇸🇦 عريضة (arīḍa)

🇨🇿 petice

🇸🇰 petícia

🇨🇳 请愿 (qǐngyuàn)

🇸🇮 peticija

🇮🇸 áskorun

🇰🇿 петиция

🇬🇪 პეტიცია (petitsia)

🇦🇿 petisiya

🇲🇽 petición

Etymology

The word 'petition' originated from the Latin word 'petitio' which means a request or entreaty. The concept of petitioning has been a part of human history for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations. In modern times, petitions have been used as a way for people to voice their concerns and advocate for change in various social, political, and environmental issues.

See also: petitioner, petitions.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,613, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.