What does suppliantly mean?
“Suppliantly” is an adverb meaning in a humble, earnest, or pleading way. It describes the manner of someone who is asking for help, mercy, favour, or permission, often with a strong emotional appeal. The word is particularly associated with formal, literary, religious, or legal contexts, but it can describe any noticeably sincere and humble request. For example, a person might look or speak suppliantly when seeking forgiveness or reconsideration. Its distinctive quality is its focus on the manner of the appeal: it conveys that the request is made with humility and earnestness rather than authority or confidence. “Suppliantly” is formed from “suppliant,” an adjective and noun connected with the idea of petitioning or making a formal request.
adverbIn a humble, earnest, or pleading manner, as someone asking for help, favour, or forgiveness.
- In a humble, earnest, or pleading manner.
"She looked up suppliantly, hoping for a second chance."
"The child reached for her mother’s hand, looking up suppliantly."
"He spoke suppliantly, asking the court for leniency."
Say it softly and sincerely: “suppliantly” captures the tone of someone appealing for mercy, help, or favour.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does suppliantly come from?
The word comes from the Latin verb supplicare, meaning “to petition, entreat, or beseech,” through Old French. Its related English forms include “supplicate,” “supplication,” and “supplicant,” all of which preserve the sense of making an earnest request. The adverb “suppliantly” developed from “suppliant,” which combines the idea of requesting with a submissive or humble manner.
Related word forms
How suppliantly is actually used
It describes an appeal or request that is humble and earnest. It is somewhat formal and literary, and is often used when someone is seeking forgiveness, mercy, assistance, or permission.
Easily confused with suppliantly
“Suppliant” is usually an adjective or noun, whereas “suppliantly” is the adverb describing how someone pleads.