suppliant
UK: ˈsʌpliənt | US: ˈsʌpliənt
n. a person who makes a humble or earnest plea to someone in power or authority
adj. humbly begging or pleading
suppliant = sup<under> + pli<fold/bend> + ant<noun/adjective suffix>
- sup<under>: From Latin sub-, meaning "under" or "below."
- pli<fold/bend>: From Latin plicare, meaning "to fold" or "to bend," metaphorically implying submission or humility.
- ant<noun/adjective suffix>: A suffix forming nouns/adjectives, indicating a person who performs an action or exhibits a quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word suppliant originates from Latin supplicare ("to kneel down, beg humbly"), combining sub- (under) and plicare (to fold). The imagery evokes a person bending or kneeling in submission, reflecting the act of humble pleading. Over time, it evolved into Old French suppliant before entering English, retaining its core sense of earnest entreaty.
The suppliant knelt before the king, begging for mercy.
Her suppliant tone moved the judge to reconsider the sentence.
The refugees approached the border as suppliants, hoping for asylum.
His suppliant letter to the university appealed for a second chance.
The crowd grew silent as the suppliant’s voice trembled with emotion.