How Do You Spell SUPPLIANT?

Pronunciation: [səplˈa͡ɪ͡ənt] (IPA)

The word "suppliant" is spelled /ˈsʌpliənt/. It is an adjective that means making a humble appeal to someone in power or authority. The spelling of the word can be explained through its pronunciation, which includes the use of the 'u' after the 'p'. The 'a' in the second syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, hence the use of an 'i' after it. The final syllable is pronounced with a clear 't' sound, leading to the use of the letters 'ant' in the spelling.

SUPPLIANT Meaning and Definition

1. A suppliant is a noun that refers to someone who pleads earnestly and humbly for something, typically to a person or a deity. Derived from the Latin word "supplicans," meaning "begging" or "entreating," a suppliant is characterized by their submissive and humble approach when making a request or expressing a plea. Often associated with prayers or petitions, a suppliant seeks assistance, mercy, or favor from a higher authority or power.

   A suppliant usually demonstrates a deep sense of reverence and respect towards the entity they are appealing to, recognizing their own inferiority and relying on the benevolence or mercy of the one being supplicated. Their approach is marked by sincerity, humility, and sometimes even physical gestures such as kneeling, clasping hands, or bowing as a sign of obedience and submission.

   In literature and mythology, characters sometimes take on the role of a suppliant when they are in desperate situations or faced with challenges beyond their control. They may seek the aid of gods, rulers, or wise figures who possess the ability to grant their request or address their grievance. The image of a suppliant is often associated with vulnerability and dependency, as they rely on the benevolence or mercy of another to secure their desired outcome.

2. • Asking earnestly and submissively; expressive of bumble supplication; entreating.

   • One who entreats humbly and submissively.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SUPPLIANT

• suppliment
• supplemant
• suplicant
• suppliing
• surplant
• appliant
• supplent
• suplant
• supplment
• supplemnt
• suppluant
• supliant
• suppliat
• suppliiant
• Supplimint
• supplasmant
• Suppletant
• Supploact
• Suppliyant
• Supliyant
• Supliante

Etymology of SUPPLIANT

The word "suppliant" has its origins in the Latin word "supplicans", which is the present participle form of the verb "supplicare". In Latin, "supplicare" means "to bend the knees, to kneel down, to beg, to plead". This verb itself comes from the prefix "sub-" (meaning "under") and the verb "plicare" (meaning "to fold"). "Plicare" is also connected to the English words like "ply", "apply", and "implicate". Over time, "suppliant" entered the English language directly from Latin, retaining its meaning of someone who humbly begs or pleads for something.

Similar spelling words for SUPPLIANT

• supplanter,
• sublime,
• sublimity,
• sublimate,
• supplanting,
• sublingual,
• sublimation,
• sublimated,
• supplemental,
• supplement,
• supplant,
• Sublimaze,
• suppleness,
• supplying.

Plural form of SUPPLIANT is SUPPLIANTS