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petition

noun

/pəˈtɪʃən/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of petition

A formal written request or appeal made to a person or an organization, often seeking a change or a remedy.
"The employees submitted a petition to their supervisor requesting a pay raise."

Detailed meaning of petition

Petitions can take different forms and serve various purposes, such as calling for a policy change, asking for a favor, or expressing a grievance. They can be addressed to individuals, groups, or authorities, and can be signed by one or many people. Typically, a petition includes a clear statement of the problem or issue at hand, followed by a proposed solution or request for action. Petitions can be used in various contexts, such as politics, social activism, and legal proceedings. In general, petitions are a tool for collective action and a means for individuals or groups to have their voices heard.

Example sentences containing petition

1. The petition gathered thousands of signatures, demanding cleaner air in our city.
2. Their petition for improved school facilities resonated with parents and teachers.
3. A well-organized petition can be a powerful tool for social change.
4. The online petition surged in popularity, advocating for stricter gun control laws.
5. Petitioners delivered a heartfelt plea for animal welfare reforms to lawmakers.
6. She submitted a petition to save the historic landmark from demolition.

History and etymology of petition

The noun 'petition' has its etymological roots in Latin, particularly from the word 'petitio,' which means 'a request' or 'a seeking.' This Latin term is derived from the verb 'petere,' meaning 'to seek' or 'to ask for.' In ancient Rome, a 'petitio' was a formal written request presented to authorities or officials. As the word evolved through history, it retained its sense of being a formal request or appeal. In English, 'petition' became prominent in the late Middle Ages, and it continues to be used to describe a written document or formal plea submitted to a person or organization, often to seek a change, remedy, or redress of grievances. The etymology of 'petition' underscores its historical connection to the act of seeking and asking for something in a formal and structured manner.

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Further usage examples of petition

1. Petitions often serve as a voice for the marginalized and underrepresented.
2. The petitioners' efforts led to a crucial policy revision within weeks.
3. A petition is a way for citizens to actively engage in the democratic process.
4. Local activists launched a petition to protect the endangered species in the region.
5. The petition gained traction, pushing for increased funding for public libraries.
6. The citizens started a petition to protest the new zoning laws.
7. I signed a petition to support equal pay for women in the workplace.
8. The online petition garnered thousands of signatures in just a few days.
9. The petition calls for stricter regulations on plastic waste disposal.
10. The students created a petition to save their school's art program from budget cuts.
11. She submitted a petition to the city council requesting a crosswalk near her neighborhood.
12. The petition aims to raise awareness about animal cruelty in circuses.
13. The organization launched a petition to advocate for affordable housing in the community.
14. The petitioners presented their case to the mayor, hoping for a change in policy.
15. The petition gained momentum after it was shared on social media.
16. The petitioners delivered the signed petitions to the governor's office.
17. The petition seeks justice for the victims of a recent crime.
18. The environmental group circulated a petition to protect a nearby wildlife sanctuary.
19. The petitioners organized a rally to draw attention to their cause.
20. The petition calls for stricter penalties for drunk driving offenses.
21. She drafted a petition to oppose the construction of a new factory in her community.
22. The petitioners collected signatures outside the courthouse to support their cause.
23. The online petition went viral, reaching millions of people around the world.
24. The petition was successful in pressuring the company to change its policies.