Supplicated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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supplicated

[ˈsʌp.lɪ.keɪtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

pleading request

Supplicated is a verb that means to ask or beg for something earnestly or humbly. It often implies a sense of urgency or deep need. Traditionally, it can be associated with prayers or petitions directed towards a deity or higher power. The intensity of the request can suggest desperation or heartfelt desire. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation, which adds a formal tone when it is invoked.

Synonyms

beg, beseech, entreat, implore, plead.

Examples of usage

  • She supplicated for her family's safety during the storm.
  • The villagers supplicated the king for aid during the famine.
  • He supplicated his teachers for a second chance on the exam.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In many classic texts, characters often supplicate to higher powers or authorities, showing their desperation.
  • Shakespeare frequently used the concept of supplication in his plays, illustrating the human condition's need for grace.
  • Famous literary themes include characters who suppress their pride to supplicate for forgiveness or aid.

Religion

  • In various religious practices, supplication is a form of prayer, often seeking divine assistance or mercy.
  • Many sacred texts describe supplication as essential for humility and seeking guidance from a higher power.
  • The act of supplicating can be seen in rituals where individuals express their needs while showing reverence.

Psychology

  • Studies indicate that people often feel a sense of relief after supplicating, as it can reduce anxiety about their needs.
  • Supplication can be a social bonding tool, creating empathy between the one asking and the one being asked.
  • Expressing vulnerability through supplication may lead to stronger relationships and support networks.

History

  • Historically, supplication was a formal act, often performed in courts where subjects would plead before their monarch.
  • Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, had rituals for supplication, reflecting their cultural values around humility and respect.
  • In medieval Europe, supplication to kings or nobles was a way to seek protection or favor, showcasing the power dynamics of the time.

Origin of 'supplicated'

Main points about word origin

  • This word comes from the Latin word 'supplicare', which means 'to kneel down or to plead'.
  • The root 'plic-' in 'supplicate' relates to folding, similar to kneeling down in a position of humility.
  • It has been used in English since the late 14th century, mainly in religious contexts.

The word 'supplicate' is derived from the Latin 'supplicare', meaning 'to plead humbly'. This Latin term itself is composed of the prefix 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'plicare' meaning 'to fold', indicating a gesture of humility where one might fold oneself or bow down before someone in a position of authority. The word transitioned into Middle English through Old French, arriving as 'supplicaten'. In the medieval period, the term was often linked to religious or spiritual contexts, conveying a sense of devotion or earnestness in requests made to God or a higher power. Over time, 'supplicate' has come to encompass any earnest or heartfelt appeal, although it retains a formal connotation, often reserved for serious or solemn contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,581, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.