suppliant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low FrequencyFormal, Literary, Archaic, or Ceremonial
Quick answer
What does “suppliant” mean?
A person who humbly and earnestly asks for something from someone in authority or power.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who humbly and earnestly asks for something from someone in authority or power.
In a broader literary or formal context, it can describe the state or attitude of humble pleading, or be used adjectivally to characterize someone making such a plea (e.g., a suppliant gesture).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. It is equally rare and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly associated with classical literature (Greek drama, epics), historical appeals to monarchs, or religious contexts of prayerful entreaty to a deity.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday speech in both regions. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British contexts due to historical and monarchical references, but this is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “suppliant” in a Sentence
[suppliant] + [verb of pleading/appealing] (e.g., The suppliant begged for mercy.)[verb] + [as/for] + [suppliant] (e.g., He came before the king as a suppliant.)[suppliant] + [preposition] + [authority figure] (e.g., suppliants at the temple gates)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suppliant” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'Suppliant' is not used as a verb. The verb form is 'supplicate'.
American English
- N/A - 'Suppliant' is not used as a verb. The verb form is 'supplicate'.
adverb
British English
- N/A - There is no standard adverbial form ('suppliantly' is theoretically possible but exceedingly rare).
American English
- N/A - There is no standard adverbial form ('suppliantly' is theoretically possible but exceedingly rare).
adjective
British English
- She approached with a suppliant air, her hands clasped before her.
- His letters were full of a suppliant tone, desperate for a reply.
American English
- The refugees held out suppliant hands to the soldiers.
- He made a suppliant gesture, hoping for clemency.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. 'Applicant' or 'petitioner' would be standard.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, historical studies, or theology to describe characters or figures making entreaties.
Everyday
Extremely uncommon. Would sound deliberately archaic or theatrical.
Technical
Not applicable in technical fields. Possibly in specialized liturgical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “suppliant”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suppliant”
- Misspelling as 'supplient' or 'supplicant' (though 'supplicant' is a synonym).
- Using it in casual, modern contexts where 'beggar' or 'applicant' is more appropriate.
- Incorrect pronunciation: stressing the second syllable (e.g., /səˈplaɪənt/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There is almost no difference in meaning; both refer to someone who makes a humble plea. 'Supplicant' is slightly more common in modern religious contexts, while 'suppliant' feels slightly more literary. They are often used interchangeably.
Yes, though it is less common than its use as a noun. As an adjective, it describes a manner or gesture that is humbly pleading (e.g., 'a suppliant tone').
No, it is a very low-frequency, formal word. You will most likely encounter it in classical literature, historical writing, or very formal prose. It sounds archaic or deliberately dramatic in everyday conversation.
The standard pronunciation is /ˈsʌplɪənt/ (SUP-lee-uhnt). The stress is on the first syllable. The British pronunciation may slightly elide the 'i' sound, making it closer to 'SUP-lyuhnt'.
A person who humbly and earnestly asks for something from someone in authority or power.
Suppliant is usually formal, literary, archaic, or ceremonial in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go cap in hand (as a suppliant)”
- “Come as a suppliant”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A SUPPLIANT SUPPLICATES. Both words share 'suppli-' and mean someone who pleads humbly.
Conceptual Metaphor
PETITIONING IS A PHYSICAL POSTURE OF LOWER STATUS (kneeling, bowing, holding out hands).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'suppliant' be LEAST appropriate?