Supplicating: meaning, definitions and examples

🙏

Add to dictionary

supplicating

[ˈsʌplɪˌkeɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

prayer

Making a humble plea or request to someone in a position of power or authority.

Synonyms

beseech, entreat, implore.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
supplicating	Used in formal or religious contexts to express a humble plea to a higher power. It often involves a deeper sense of humility and submission. The villagers were supplicating for rain during the drought. She spent hours in supplicating prayer.
beseech	Used when earnestly asking someone to do something. This term is often seen in literary or dramatic contexts. I beseech you, spare me a moment of your time. He beseeched the king for mercy.
implore	Used in emotional contexts where someone is begging with a sense of desperation or urgency. It often has a stronger emotional weight. He implored her not to leave him. The children implored their parents for forgiveness.
entreat	Commonly used in both formal and informal settings when earnestly requesting or urging someone. It conveys a sense of pleading but can be less dramatic than 'beseech'. She entreated him to stay a little longer. They entreated the council to reconsider the decision.

Examples of usage

He was supplicating to the king for mercy.
She was supplicating for forgiveness.
They were supplicating for help.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

religious

To pray earnestly and humbly to a deity or higher being.

Synonyms

petition, plead, solicit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
supplicating	Used in situations where one is humbly begging or asking earnestly, often in a religious or deeply sincere context. He knelt before the altar, supplicating for divine intervention. With tearful eyes, she supplicated her parents to let her pursue her dreams.
petition	Used when formally requesting an action from an authority or organized body, such as a government or institution. They started a petition to save the local library from closing. The lawyer filed a petition for a rehearing of the case.
solicit	Used when formally or persistently asking for or trying to obtain something, often in a professional or business context. Sometimes, it carries a negative connotation if associated with unwelcome requests or offers. The charity solicited donations from the wealthy businessman. They were soliciting feedback on the new product.
plead	Used in both legal contexts and everyday situations where someone is urgently asking or arguing for something. There can be a sense of desperation or strong emotional appeal. The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges. She pleaded with him not to leave her.

Examples of usage

The devotees were supplicating to the gods for a good harvest.
She was supplicating for guidance in her prayers.
They were supplicating for blessings.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word has roots in the Latin word 'supplicare', which means to kneel down or make a humble request.
In Old French, it transformed into 'supplicacion', maintaining the sense of earnest pleading or request.
Historically, kneeling has been a physical expression of humility, which ties back to the word's origins.

Religious Context

Many religious practices involve supplication, especially in prayer, where individuals ask for divine assistance.
In Christianity, it is common to see supplications made during Mass, reflecting deep personal need or community support.
In Islam, supplication ('dua') is a significant part of daily prayers, underlining the importance of turning to a higher power in need.

Psychology

Studies show that requesting help can stimulate social bonds, reinforcing connections between people.
People who make humble requests often receive more positive responses, as they communicate trust and vulnerability.
The act of supplicating can evoke feelings of empathy in others, which may lead to increased willingness to assist.

Literature

In many classic stories, characters often resort to supplication when facing overwhelming odds, demonstrating their humility.
Shakespeare frequently explored themes of supplication, using it to convey desperation and hope in his plays.
In epic poetry, heroes might supplicate to deities for guidance or support before embarking on their quests.

Cultural Practices

In various cultures, supplicating can involve specific rituals, such as bowing or presenting offerings to show respect.
Some Indigenous cultures incorporate supplication into ceremonies that connect with nature and ancestors, asking for guidance and blessings.
In diplomatic contexts, leaders may use supplicating gestures to signal sincerity when seeking cooperation or pardon.

Translations

Translations of the word "supplicating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 suplicando

🇮🇳 विनती करना

🇩🇪 flehend

🇮🇩 memohon

🇺🇦 благаючи

🇵🇱 błagający

🇯🇵 懇願する

🇫🇷 suppliant

🇪🇸 suplicante

🇹🇷 yalvaran

🇰🇷 간청하는

🇸🇦 متوسل

🇨🇿 prosebně

🇸🇰 prosiaci

🇨🇳 恳求

🇸🇮 proseče

🇮🇸 bíðja

🇰🇿 жалбарынып

🇬🇪 მუდარებული

🇦🇿 yalvaran

🇲🇽 suplicante

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,629 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
32626 trapezium
32627 heathenish
32628 wisher
32629 supplicating
32630 pone
32631 sharpener
32632 frilled
...