Definition

1. Noun:
   • A humble and earnest request or plea, especially to a deity or person in authority: The act of asking for something in a respectful, often submissive, or begging manner.
   • A specific prayer or petition, often part of a religious service: A formal act of praying, characterized by humility and earnestness, typically asking for divine help, forgiveness, or favor.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The prisoner's supplication for mercy moved the king.
  • In many religions, supplication is a central part of personal prayer.
  • Her letter was a heartfelt supplication for assistance.

Advanced Usage

• "To make supplication to": To direct a humble and earnest request to a specific entity, especially a deity.
  • The people made supplication to the gods for rain during the drought.
• "In supplication": Describing the state or posture of making a humble plea.
  • He fell to his knees, hands clasped in supplication.

Variants and Related Words

• Supplicant (n): A person who makes a humble plea or request.
  • The supplicants waited patiently to see the official.
• Supplicate (v): To make a humble and earnest request; to pray humbly.
  • They gathered to supplicate for peace.
• Supplicatory (adj): Having the nature of a humble plea.
  • He wrote a supplicatory letter to the board.

Synonyms

• Entreaty: A serious and often emotional request.
• Plea: An urgent and emotional request.
• Petition: A formal written request, often signed by many people.
• Imploration: A desperate and earnest request.

Antonyms

• Demand: An insistent and peremptory request.
• Command: An authoritative order.
• Refusal: The act of denying a request.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To fall into supplication": To suddenly begin pleading humbly.
  • Upon hearing the verdict, the accused fell into supplication.
• "A voice of supplication": A manner of speaking that is humble and pleading.
  • She spoke with a voice of supplication, hoping to change his mind.

Noun

1. the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
   • the priest sank to his knees in prayer
2. a humble request for help from someone in authority
3. a prayer asking God's help as part of a religious service