supplex: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Literary, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “supplex” mean?
A person who makes a humble or earnest plea, especially in a position of submission or entreaty.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who makes a humble or earnest plea, especially in a position of submission or entreaty; a suppliant.
Used as an adjective to describe someone who is humbly pleading or beseeching, often in a kneeling or prostrate posture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; the word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries strong connotations of humility, submission, and earnest entreaty, often within a ritualistic or historical framework.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both British and American English; more likely to be encountered in classical literature or academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “supplex” in a Sentence
[supplex] + before/beside/to + [person/entity][supplex] + in + [state/action]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supplex” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The supplex crowd knelt before the king.
American English
- He took a supplex posture at the temple.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business contexts.
Academic
Might appear in historical, religious studies, or classical literature texts discussing rituals of supplication.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Could be found in theological or historical analyses of ancient practices.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “supplex”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supplex”
- Confusing 'supplex' (noun/adjective) with the verb 'supplicate'.
- Using it in inappropriate modern contexts.
- Misspelling as 'suppleks' or 'supplyx'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'supplex' is extremely rare and considered archaic or literary. You are far more likely to encounter 'suppliant'.
No, 'supplex' is used as a noun or an adjective. The verb form is 'supplicate'.
They are synonyms, but 'supplex' is a direct Latin borrowing and is much rarer and more formal/literary than 'suppliant'.
For active use, no. It is important to recognize it in very formal or historical texts, but for your own speech and writing, use 'suppliant' or 'petitioner'.
A person who makes a humble or earnest plea, especially in a position of submission or entreaty.
Supplex is usually formal, literary, archaic in register.
Supplex: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌplɛks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌplɛks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SUPPLex' as a person who is SUPPlicating (begging) while being fLEXible (bending the knee).
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPLICATION IS PHYSICAL LOWERING (kneeling, bowing).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'supplex' most appropriately used?