suppliants, the: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Historical
Quick answer
What does “suppliants, the” mean?
People who make a humble or earnest plea to someone in authority or power, often in a position of desperation or inferiority.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
People who make a humble or earnest plea to someone in authority or power, often in a position of desperation or inferiority.
A collective term for those who formally and humbly petition for mercy, aid, or a favor, often evoking a classical or dramatic context of subjects appealing to a ruler or deity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it strongly connotes classical antiquity (e.g., Greek tragedy), historical appeals to monarchy, or religious entreaty to God.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British texts due to a stronger tradition of classical education and historical drama, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “suppliants, the” in a Sentence
The suppliants + [verb of entreaty] + to + [authority figure][Authority figure] + [verb] + the suppliantsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suppliants, the” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The refugees supplicated before the authorities.
- They came to supplicate for asylum.
American English
- The protestors supplicated at the steps of the courthouse.
- Citizens supplicated the governor for clemency.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or religious studies to describe groups appealing for mercy or aid (e.g., 'the suppliants in Aeschylus' play').
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound archaic or deliberately dramatic.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “suppliants, the”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “suppliants, the”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suppliants, the”
- Using it as a singular ('a suppliant' is correct, but 'the suppliants' is the common collective form).
- Using it in informal contexts.
- Misspelling as 'supplicants' (a very close synonym).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are virtually synonymous. 'Supplicant' is perhaps slightly more common in modern religious contexts, while 'suppliant' feels slightly more literary, but they are interchangeable.
It would sound very formal, archaic, or deliberately dramatic. In modern contexts, 'petitioners', 'protestors', or 'applicants' are more natural choices depending on the situation.
Because it typically refers to a specific, identified group within a narrative or scene (e.g., 'the suppliants in the play', 'the suppliants at the gate'). It's a definite plural noun.
The singular form is 'a suppliant' (or 'a supplicant'). For example, 'He was a lone suppliant before the throne.'
People who make a humble or earnest plea to someone in authority or power, often in a position of desperation or inferiority.
Suppliants, the is usually formal, literary, historical in register.
Suppliants, the: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌpliənts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌpliənts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this plural form.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SUPPLY' + 'ANTS'. Imagine a line of ants (the suppliants) humbly asking the queen ant to SUPPLY them with food.
Conceptual Metaphor
PETITIONING IS BOWING/KNEELING (The suppliants are physically lower). POWER IS UP / PLEADING IS DOWN.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'the suppliants' be LEAST appropriate?