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Petitioner: meaning, definitions and examples

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petitioner

 

[pəˈtɪʃ(ə)nər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

legal term

A person who presents a petition to a court or other official body for a legal remedy or relief.

Synonyms

applicant, claimant, suitor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
petitioner

Used when someone is formally requesting something, often in legal or governmental contexts.

  • The petitioner filed a motion to the court to reopen the case.
  • She acted as a petitioner, seeking signatures for her new community project.
applicant

Commonly used when someone is applying for a job, school admission, or a program.

  • Out of 300 applicants, only 20 were chosen for interviews.
  • Each applicant must submit a resume and cover letter.
claimant

Primarily used in legal contexts when someone is making a claim, often for compensation or rights.

  • The insurance company needs more information from the claimant.
  • Several claimants have come forward after the accident.
suitor

Generally used in romantic contexts or when someone is courting another person, can also be used in business settings when a company is seeking to acquire another.

  • She received many gifts from her suitor.
  • The company is considering several potential suitors for the merger.

Examples of usage

  • The petitioner requested a hearing in front of the judge.
  • The petitioner filed a motion with the court for a change in custody arrangements.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'petitio,' meaning 'a request or demand.'
  • It has been used in legal contexts since the late 14th century, highlighting its formal nature.
  • The word has evolved from general use of asking to specifically addressing petitions in courts and assemblies.

Legal Context

  • Petitioners can be individuals or groups seeking legal remedies or changes in law.
  • In court cases, petitioners often file requests to the judge for specific actions, like a divorce or child custody.
  • The process of petitioning is vital in democratic societies, allowing citizens to voice concerns and seek changes.

Pop Culture

  • Films often depict petitioners in gripping legal dramas, highlighting their struggle for justice.
  • Major movements, like civil rights, often began with petitions calling for change, showing the power of collective action.
  • Popular TV shows have featured characters acting as petitioners, using their requests to propel the plot and highlight societal issues.

Social Justice

  • Throughout history, marginalized groups have used petitions to demand rights and recognition.
  • The concept of petitioning has been fundamental in movements like women's suffrage, pushing for equality and voting rights.
  • Online petitions have gained traction in recent years, allowing people to rally support for causes globally.

Historical Importance

  • The Magna Carta in 1215 is one of the earliest instances of petitioning where nobles demanded rights from the king.
  • The ability to petition is enshrined in various constitutions worldwide, reflecting its importance in governance.
  • Notable historical figures, including Martin Luther King Jr., have used petitions as a tool for social change.

Translations

Translations of the word "petitioner" in other languages:

🇵🇹 peticionário

🇮🇳 याचिकाकर्ता

🇩🇪 Antragsteller

🇮🇩 penggugat

🇺🇦 позивач

🇵🇱 wnioskodawca

🇯🇵 申立人

🇫🇷 demandeur

🇪🇸 demandante

🇹🇷 talep eden

🇰🇷 청구인

🇸🇦 مقدم الطلب

🇨🇿 žadatel

🇸🇰 žiadateľ

🇨🇳 申请人

🇸🇮 vlagatelj

🇮🇸 umsækjandi

🇰🇿 өтініш беруші

🇬🇪 მოთხოვნი

🇦🇿 müraciət edən

🇲🇽 solicitante

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,550, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.