Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Of the nature of or expressing a petition: Having the characteristics of a formal request or appeal, typically made to an authority.

Usage

The adjective "petitionary" is used to describe language, actions, or documents that formally ask or plead for something. It is a formal term often found in legal, religious, or official contexts.

Examples

• The lawyer drafted a petitionary appeal to the high court.
• The monks' petitionary prayers were for peace in the region.
• Her letter had a petitionary tone, urgently requesting reconsideration of the decision.

Advanced Usage

• "Petitionary address": A formal speech or written statement that makes a request.
  • The ambassador's petitionary address to the assembly sought immediate aid.
• "Petitionary rhetoric": The style of speaking or writing used to make a formal plea.
  • The sermon was filled with petitionary rhetoric, asking the congregation for support.

Variants and Related Words

• Petition (n/v): A formal written request, typically signed by many people, appealing to authority; to make such a request.
  • They started a petition to save the park.
• Petitioner (n): A person who presents or signs a petition.
  • The petitioner waited anxiously for a response from the council.

Synonyms

• Supplicatory: Making or expressing a plea, especially to someone in power.
• Entreating: Asking someone earnestly or anxiously to do something.

Antonyms

• Imperative: Expressing a command; peremptory.
• Declarative: Making a statement or declaration.

Related Phrases

• To be in a petitionary mode: To be engaged in the act of formally requesting.
  • The community group was in a petitionary mode, gathering signatures for their cause.

Adjective

1. of the nature of or expressing a petition
   • the petitionary procedure had a quality of indecisiveness