supplicant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary
Quick answer
What does “supplicant” mean?
A person who asks or begs for something earnestly or humbly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who asks or begs for something earnestly or humbly.
A person who makes a formal, humble plea or petition, especially in a religious or hierarchical context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The formal register is consistent across both varieties.
Connotations
Equally formal and slightly archaic/religious in both dialects.
Frequency
Very low-frequency word in both regions, slightly more likely in formal/religious writing.
Grammar
How to Use “supplicant” in a Sentence
supplicant to [person/authority]supplicant for [aid/mercy/forgiveness]supplicant at the [altar/throne]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supplicant” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The subject was required to supplicate before the monarch.
American English
- Citizens can supplicate the government for redress of grievances.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The start-up came to the venture capitalists as a humble supplicant.'
Academic
Found in historical, religious, or literary studies discussing petitions, prayers, or social hierarchies.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be understood but sound overly formal or dramatic.
Technical
Not a technical term in common fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “supplicant”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “supplicant”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supplicant”
- Mispronunciation: /suːplɪkənt/ (like 'soup'). Correct is /ˈsʌplɪkənt/ (like 'supper').
- Using it in casual contexts where 'someone asking for help' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word primarily used in literary, religious, or historical contexts.
Yes, though less common than the noun form. It can describe a person or their posture (e.g., 'a supplicant gesture', 'in a supplicant manner').
An 'applicant' applies for something (a job, university) through a standard process. A 'supplicant' humbly begs or pleads for something (mercy, favour, aid), often from a position of inferiority.
Yes, the related verb is 'to supplicate', meaning to ask or beg for something earnestly or humbly.
A person who asks or begs for something earnestly or humbly.
Supplicant is usually formal, literary in register.
Supplicant: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌplɪk(ə)nt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌpləkənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To come as a supplicant”
- “In a supplicant posture”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SUPPLY: A supplicant is someone who is asking to be SUPPLIED with something they need (mercy, help, a favour).
Conceptual Metaphor
PETITIONING IS BEING PHYSICALLY LOWER (kneeling, bowing).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'supplicant' LEAST appropriate?