Supplications: meaning, definitions and examples

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supplications

 

[ ˌsʌplɪˈkeɪʃənz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious prayers

Supplications are humble prayers or petitions made to God.

Synonyms

invocations, petitions, prayers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
supplications

This word is often used in a religious or formal context to describe earnest or humble requests, especially in prayer.

  • He fell to his knees in supplication, begging for divine intervention.
  • Her supplications were filled with hope and desperation.
prayers

This word is typically used to describe personal or communal communication with a deity, often involving requests, thanksgiving, or praise. It is most commonly associated with religious practices.

  • She said a prayer of gratitude before going to bed.
  • The congregation offered prayers for the well-being of the community.
petitions

This word is usually used in a legal or formal context to describe requests made to an authority, often in writing. It can also be less formal, referring to requests made by a group of people to address a particular issue.

  • They submitted a petition to the city council for better public transportation.
  • Her petition for clemency was heard by the governor.
invocations

This term is used to refer to the act of calling upon a deity, spirit, or higher power for assistance or as part of a ceremony.

  • The priest began the ceremony with an invocation to the gods.
  • His speech included an invocation for peace and unity.

Examples of usage

  • He spent the night in supplication, praying for guidance.
  • Her supplications for peace were heard and answered.
Context #2 | Noun

formal requests

Supplications can also refer to formal requests or appeals made to someone in authority.

Synonyms

appeals, pleas, requests.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
supplications

Used in a religious or very earnest context. Typically refers to humble and devout requests often made in prayer.

  • She fell to her knees in supplications, asking for divine intervention
requests

Used in everyday situations. It refers to asking for something politely or formally without the sense of desperation or formality seen in the other words.

  • Could you please consider my request for a day off next week?
appeals

Used in formal or legal contexts, or when seeking help or support. It suggests a strong and urgent call for assistance.

  • He made an appeal to the court to reconsider the decision
pleas

Used in urgent or desperate situations, often portraying a sense of urgency or emotional intensity. It might also have a legal connotation where it refers to a formal statement by a defendant.

  • Her pleas for help went unanswered

Examples of usage

  • The citizens made supplications to the government for aid.
  • The supplication for a grant was finally approved.

Translations

Translations of the word "supplications" in other languages:

🇵🇹 súplicas

🇮🇳 प्रार्थनाएँ

🇩🇪 Bitten

🇮🇩 permohonan

🇺🇦 благання

🇵🇱 prośby

🇯🇵 嘆願

🇫🇷 supplications

🇪🇸 súplicas

🇹🇷 yalvarış

🇰🇷 간청

🇸🇦 توسلات

🇨🇿 prosbami

🇸🇰 prosbami

🇨🇳 恳求

🇸🇮 prošnje

🇮🇸 bænir

🇰🇿 жалбару

🇬🇪 ვედრება

🇦🇿 yalvarış

🇲🇽 súplicas

Etymology

The word 'supplication' comes from the Latin word 'supplicatio', which means a humble request or prayer. The concept of supplication has been present in various religious and cultural traditions throughout history, as a way for individuals to seek divine intervention or assistance in times of need.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,092, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.