Petition

Definition

Petition refers to a formal written request, typically signed by many people, that is addressed to a higher authority, seeking specific actions or redresses.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pəˈtɪʃən/
• Respelling: puh-TISH-uhn (with "puh" as in "supper," "TISH" as in "wish," and "uhn" as in "button")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pəˈtɪʃn̩/
• Respelling: puh-TISH-uhn (similar to American English, with "puh" as in "supper," "TISH" as in "wish," and a more clipped "uhn" at the end)

In both dialects, "petition" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "TISH." The pronunciation shows typical differences in vowel sounds and the articulation of unstressed syllables between American and British English.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "petitio," from "petere," which means "to seek" or "to request." The term evolved to mean "a written request or demand" by the late 14th century.

Derivatives

• Petitioner
• Petitionary
• Petitioning
• Unpetitioned
• Counter-petition

Synonyms

• Plea
• Appeal
• Request

Antonyms

• Dictate
• Command
• Order

Usage

The term "petition" is commonly used in legal and governmental contexts to refer to formal requests or applications, often seeking a particular action or judgment. It can also be used in social and political movements as a way to gather public support for a specific cause.

Related Terms

• Signatory
• Advocacy
• Lobbying
• Grievance
• Appeal

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A formal written request, typically signed by many people, addressed to an authority with respect to a particular cause.
• Example: "A petition against the new tax proposal garnered thousands of signatures."

• An application to a court for a particular order or judgment.
• Example: "The prisoner's petition for parole was denied."

Verb

• To make a formal request or application to an authority, especially in written form.
• Example: "Residents petitioned the city council to reconsider its zoning decisions."

• To solicit or entreat for something.
• Example: "He petitioned for leniency from the judge."