supplication

American  

[suhp-li-key-shuhn] / ˌsʌp lɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of supplicating; humble prayer, entreaty, or petition.

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supplication British  

/ ˌsʌplɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of supplicating

2. a humble entreaty or petition; prayer

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Other Word Forms

• nonsupplication
  noun
• presupplication
  noun

Etymology

Origin of supplication

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin supplicātiōn-, stem of supplicātiō; equivalent to supplicate + -ion

Explanation

Think of a supplication as sort of a prayer, a request for help from a deity. The word carries a sense of awe and adoration with it, suggesting something tentative, even servile, a respectful appeal to a higher power. Although it is a noun, supplication comes from the Latin verb supplicare, which means "to plead humbly." While a supplication is often thought of as a religious prayer (it is used 60 times in the Bible), it can logically be applied to any situation in which you must entreat someone in power for help or a favor. Still, it carries with it an aura of religiosity and deep entreaty, and should not be used to describe just any simple request.

Example Sentences

Hugh Singleton, 1553-88, The Supplication of Doctour Barnes, &c., black letter, morocco extra, by Rivière, no date, 8vo, £10.

From Book Collecting: A Guide for Amateurs by Slater, J. Herbert (John Herbert)

P. Penilesse, in his Supplication to the Divell, says: "Some gally gascoynes or shipman's hose, like the Anabaptists," &c.

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir

Supplication he knew would avail him nothing, and the only threat he could use--that he would stop his father's allowance--would have no terrors, for he could not execute it.

From Laid up in Lavender by Weyman, Stanley J.

Supplication is not followed by consecration, and therefore there is no exultation.

From My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year by Jowett, John Henry

The impending Reformation was hastened by a famous invective in the form of “The Supplication of Beggars.”

From Amenities of Literature Consisting of Sketches and Characters of English Literature by Disraeli, Isaac