Petition
/pɪˈtɪʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsA formal written request to a person or organization in authority, usually signed by many people.
/pɪˈtɪʃən/
A formal written request, typically signed by many people, appealing to authority.
The students created a petition to extend the library hours.
💡 Simply: Imagine a lot of people want something from the government. They write a letter together, asking nicely. That's a petition!
👶 For kids: A petition is like a letter to a grown-up (like the president or the mayor) asking them to do something.
More Examples
Over a thousand signatures were gathered on the petition.
The company responded to the petition by addressing the concerns of the employees.
How It's Used
"Citizens organized a petition to demand a change in the local laws."
"The lawyer filed a petition with the court requesting a hearing."
To make a formal request to an authority or government.
/pɪˈtɪʃən/
To make or present a formal request to (an authority) with respect to a particular cause.
The community petitioned the local council for a new park.
💡 Simply: You're asking the boss (or the government!) for something formally, usually with a letter or lots of signatures. You're 'petitioning' them.
👶 For kids: To petition is to ask someone important to do something, like asking the principal for a longer recess!
More Examples
Residents are petitioning the city to improve the public transportation system.
The group will petition the United Nations regarding the humanitarian crisis.
How It's Used
"The activists petitioned the government to stop deforestation."
"They are petitioning the company to improve its environmental practices."
Idioms & expressions
petition the court
To formally request action from a court of law.
"The lawyer had to petition the court to obtain the search warrant."
From Middle English *peticion*, from Old French *peticion* (13th c.), from Latin *petitionem* (nominative *petitio*, "a seeking, request"), from *petere* ("to seek, request").
Historically, petitions were used to bring grievances before the king or parliament. The Magna Carta is a famous example of a petition.
Memory tip
Think of it as a written 'plea' with signatures for support.
Word Origin
"to seek, request"