Supplicating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'supplicating'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'supplicate' comes from the Latin word 'supplicare', which means 'to kneel down' or 'to beg earnestly'. The act of supplicating has been a common practice in various religious and cultural traditions throughout history, as a way to express humility, reverence, and a deep sense of need or desire. It is often associated with seeking divine intervention or favor in times of difficulty or need.


See also: supplicant, supplication.

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.