petition
0 antonyms and opposites of petition, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A formal written request, often signed by many people, asking an authority to act on something.
How to use petition
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French peticiun, from Latin petitio, "a request," from petere, "to seek or ask for."
Full origin of petition →Frequently asked questions
What does “petition” mean?
The word “petition” means a formal written request, often signed by many people, asking an authority to act on something. In plain terms, a formal request — either a document people sign to demand change, or a legal filing asking a court for something.
How do you pronounce “petition”?
“Petition” is pronounced puh-TIHSH-uhn (/pəˈtɪʃ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “petition” in a sentence?
Here is “petition” used in a sentence: “Residents signed a petition demanding a new crossing outside the school.”
What part of speech is “petition”?
Depending on how it is used, “petition” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “petition” come from?
The word “petition” comes from Latin. From Old French peticiun, from Latin petitio, "a request," from petere, "to seek or ask for.".
Is “petition” a common word?
“Petition” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “petition” have?
“Petition” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal written request, often signed by many people, asking an authority to act on something.
What is the difference between a petition and a plea?
A petition is a formal, usually written request asking an authority or court to take a specific action, often signed by many people. A plea is generally a more urgent or emotional appeal, and in law it also means a defendant's formal response to a charge.
What is the difference between a petition and a protest?
A petition is a formal written request that works through official channels and signatures, whereas a protest is a public demonstration of disapproval that may involve marching or speaking out. A petition asks those in power to act; a protest expresses objection more directly and visibly.
What preposition follows 'petition'?
You commonly petition 'for' something you want ('petition for release') and 'against' something you oppose. When naming who is being asked, the verb often takes a direct object, as in 'they petitioned the council for funding.'