petition

/pi'tiʃn/

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Certainly! Let's break down the word "petition" in a way that is easy to understand.

Definition:

Petition (noun): A petition is a formal request for something. It is usually written and submitted to someone in authority, like a government official or an organization.

Usage Instructions:

• When you want to ask for something important, especially from someone who has the power to grant it, you often write a petition.
• Petitions can be used to gather support from others. For example, many people can sign a petition to show they agree with the request.

Examples:

• Noun: "The citizens created a petition to ask the city to build a new park."
• Verb: "They decided to petition the school board for longer lunch breaks."

Advanced Usage:

• Petitions can be used in legal contexts, where you might "petition the court" to request a specific legal action.
• In political contexts, citizens often use petitions to demonstrate public support for issues, like environmental protection or social justice.

Word Variants:

• Petitioner (noun): A person who makes a petition.
  • Example: "The petitioner presented the case to the committee."
• Petitioning (verb): The act of making a petition.
  • Example: "She is petitioning for a new traffic light at a busy intersection."

Different Meanings:

1. Religious Context: In a religious sense, a petition can refer to a prayer asking a deity for help or guidance.

   • Example: "He made a heartfelt petition to God for peace."

2. Legal Context: In law, a petition can refer to a formal written request to a court.

   • Example: "The lawyer filed a petition for a new trial."

Synonyms:

• Request
• Appeal
• Plea
• Application

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Petition for": To formally request something.

  • Example: "They petitioned for better working conditions."

• "Submit a petition": To officially present a written request.

  • Example: "The group plans to submit a petition to the local government."

Summary:

In summary, a "petition" is a formal way to ask for something important, often in writing. You can use it as a noun or a verb, and it can be related to various contexts, including civic, legal, and religious situations.

Academic

Noun

1. reverent petition to a deity
2. a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority

Verb

1. write a petition for something to somebody; request formally and in writing

Synonyms

• prayer
• orison
• request
• postulation