petition
puh-TISH-un
/pəˈtɪʃn/
A formal written request appealing to authority in respect of a particular cause, signed by supporters.
Represents grass-roots collective action requesting specific institutional policy changes.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'petitio' (a request or suit), derived from 'petere' (to seek, aim at, or rush upon). In medieval English courts, a petition was a solemn written request sent directly to the monarch.
Word relationships
- appeal: An 'appeal' asks for a decision or ruling to be reconsidered, whereas a 'petition' gathers collective signatures for change.
- supplication: 'Supplication' carries religious or humble begging tones, whereas 'petition' is a civic right.
- refusal: An explicit rejection of a request.
Commonly confused with
- partition: A 'partition' is a wall or dividing barrier, whereas a 'petition' is a formal written request signed by citizens.
Word family
- petitioner (noun): A person who signs or presents a petition.
Collocations
- sign a petition
- submit a petition
- petition the board
- online petition
Idioms & expressions
- right to petition
Example sentences
- "Students gathered over 500 signatures on a petition demanding extended library hours during finals week." Campus activism update
- "A formal petition was submitted to force a vote on updating the student body constitution." Student council administration
Memory hook
REPETITION of signatures on paper makes your PETITION powerful to leaders. Seeking change through signatures.
When not to use
Do not use for standard individual administrative inquiries or informal emails.
Fun facts
- In the United Kingdom, any online petition that gathers over 100,000 signatures must be formally considered for debate in Parliament!
Related words
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