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Supplicant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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supplicant

[หˆsสŒplษชkษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a religious setting

A supplicant is a person who prays or makes a humble request to a higher power or deity. In religious contexts, supplicants often demonstrate humility and reverence in their petitions.

Synonyms

beggar, petitioner, pleader.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
supplicant

When someone is earnestly and humbly asking for something, similar to 'supplicant' but usually less formal.

  • The supplicant approached the charity, hoping for aid during a difficult time
petitioner

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

  • The petitioner presented her case to the court, hoping for a favorable ruling
pleader

Implies someone making a passionate and urgent request, often in legal or serious situations.

  • As a pleader, he argued fiercely for his client's innocence in court
beggar

Refers to someone who asks for money or food, often seen on the streets. The term can have a negative connotation.

  • The beggar on the street corner asked for spare change from passersby

Examples of usage

  • The supplicant knelt before the altar, clasping their hands in prayer.
  • The supplicant implored the gods for forgiveness and guidance.
Context #2 | Noun

in a formal request

In a formal context, a supplicant is someone who makes a respectful plea or request for something, often in writing or during a formal meeting. It implies a sense of humility and deference.

Synonyms

applicant, petitioner, pleader.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
supplicant

This word is often used interchangeably with 'supplicant' mentioned earlier. It refers to someone who humbly and earnestly asks for something, usually from a higher authority.

  • The supplicant's request was met with kind consideration by the council.
  • At the shrine, she was a supplicant asking for a miracle.
petitioner

This word is often used in legal contexts, referring to someone who formally presents a petition to an authority or court.

  • The petitioner requested a hearing to appeal the court's decision.
  • A petitioner's signature drive seeks to change the local law.
applicant

This word is used in everyday situations, mainly related to job applications or any formal request for a position or benefit.

  • The company received hundreds of resumes from job applicants.
  • Each applicant must fill out this form to be considered for the scholarship.
pleader

Typically used in legal contexts, a pleader is someone who argues a case in court. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying desperation or excessive emotion.

  • The pleader made an emotional case in front of the jury.
  • His lawyer was a skilled pleader, well-versed in courtroom tactics.

Examples of usage

  • The job applicant submitted a supplicant for consideration to the hiring manager.
  • The supplicant for funding presented a compelling case to the board of directors.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In many classic novels, characters often appear as supplicants when they seek redemption or forgiveness from a higher authority or loved ones.
  • Shakespeare's plays often depict characters in the role of supplicants during dramatic moments, showcasing vulnerability and desperation.

Psychology

  • The act of supplicating can reveal a lot about social hierarchies, showing a person's position in relation to others who hold power.
  • Research in psychology suggests that when people feel powerless, they may engage in supplicatory behaviors to seek support or resources.

Religious Practices

  • In various religions, supplicants often perform rituals of prayer or ask for divine intervention, embodying deep faith and need.
  • Ceremonies where individuals make requests known to a deity often involve supplicant behavior, emphasizing the role of humility in spirituality.

Pop Culture

  • Films and novels frequently portray characters who become supplicants when they face difficult situations and seek aid from others, highlighting human vulnerability.
  • The theme of supplication can be seen in many stories, where the journey involves the main character humbly approaching a mentor or authority figure for guidance.

Origin of 'supplicant'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'supplicare', meaning 'to kneel down', which is an action often associated with pleas or requests.
  • In medieval times, supplicants would often kneel before a king or ruler to ask for help or favors, making it a symbol of humility.

The word 'supplicant' originates from the Latin word 'supplicans', the present participle of 'supplicare', which means 'to kneel down, beseech, or supplicate'. The concept of supplication and seeking divine or earthly assistance has been a common practice in many cultures throughout history, often associated with religious rituals and ceremonies.

See also: supplicating, supplication.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,303 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.