petition
puh-TISH-un
/pəˈtɪʃ.ən/
A formal written request signed by many citizens appealing to an authority regarding a cause.
Represents an official, peaceful, formal channel of civic request directed to a governing authority.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'petere' (to seek or request). In medieval monarchies, petitions were solemn written prayers asking the King for extraordinary justice.
Word relationships
- appeal: An appeal is a general earnest request; a petition is a formal document collected with signatures.
- decree: A decree is an authoritative command issued top-down by an official ruler.
Commonly confused with
- repeal: Repeal means revoking or canceling a law; petition is a formal written request to authority.
Word family
- petitioner (noun): A person who signs or presents a formal petition.
Collocations
- file a petition
- sign a petition
- online petition
- petition drive
Idioms & expressions
- petition the court
Example sentences
- "Residents gathered thousands of signatures on a petition demanding a new traffic signal near the elementary school." Local governance
- "The right to petition the government for a redress of grievances is explicitly protected under the First Amendment." Constitutional history
Memory hook
PETITION: PETing (asking gently) the government for a decision. Formal request with signatures.
When not to use
Do not use for informal verbal demands or aggressive confrontations.
Fun facts
- In the UK, any online parliament petition reaching 100,000 signatures must be considered for debate in the House of Commons.
Related words
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