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Petitioning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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petitioning

[pəˈtɪʃ.ən.ɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

legal process

Petitioning refers to the act of formally requesting something from an authority or a governing body. It often involves submitting a written document, known as a petition, which outlines the request and the reasons for it. This process is common in legal settings, where individuals may petition a court for a specific action or ruling. Additionally, petitioning can occur in political contexts, where citizens gather signatures to support a cause or initiate a change.

Synonyms

advocating, applying, requesting, soliciting.

Examples of usage

  • They are petitioning the court for a new trial.
  • Citizens are petitioning the government to change the law.
  • The group is petitioning for environmental protections.
  • She spent months petitioning local officials for support.
Context #2 | Noun

formal request

A petition is a formal written request to an authority, often signed by multiple individuals. It is used to advocate for a particular cause or to influence legislative action. Petitions can be used to show public support for initiatives, such as changes in law or policy. They serve as a critical tool for citizens to express their opinions and seek change in a democratic society.

Synonyms

appeal, entreaty, plea, request.

Examples of usage

  • The petition gathered thousands of signatures.
  • We submitted our petition to the local council.
  • She started a petition to ban plastic bags.
  • Many petitions are circulated during election seasons.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word has roots in the Latin 'petitio,' which means 'a request,' showing its long history of people asking for what they want.
  • Petitioning has been a method of advocacy since ancient times, with democratic societies using it as a tool for expressing citizens' needs.

Civic Engagement

  • In modern democracies, citizens often use petitions to influence policy or laws, making it a powerful way for communities to voice their opinions.
  • The change.org platform has turned online petitioning into a global phenomenon, allowing people to rally support for various causes easily.

Legal Significance

  • In the legal world, petitioning can refer to formally requesting a court to take specific actions, highlighting its importance in the justice system.
  • Historical legal petitions often served as the first step in bringing awareness to injustice, like petitions for civil rights.

Political Movements

  • Petitions played a significant role in major political movements, such as the suffrage movement, where women sought the right to vote.
  • Famous figures, like Martin Luther King Jr., often used petitions as part of larger movements to promote equality and social justice.

Psychology of Persuasion

  • Petitioning engages social psychology principles, encouraging group solidarity and shared identity around common goals.
  • The act of signing a petition can create a sense of ownership and responsibility, motivating people to engage more deeply with causes.

Origin of 'petitioning'

The term 'petitioning' comes from the Latin word 'petitio', which means 'a request, demand or claim'. The word evolved through Old French before entering English in the late Middle Ages. Initially, it referred to a request made to a ruler or authority, often accompanied by a set of signatures from supporters. With the rise of democratic ideals, the concept of petitioning gained popularity, allowing ordinary citizens to express their grievances or desires to government officials. Over the centuries, petitioning has been formalized in many legal systems, becoming a crucial method for advocates to promote social and political change. Today, petitioning can occur in various forms, from grassroots movements to online campaigns, reflecting the evolving landscape of civic engagement.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,032, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.