What does supplicate mean?
Supplicate means to ask or beg for something with humility and earnestness, or to make a formal appeal on behalf of oneself or someone else. The verb can be followed by a direct object, as in “to supplicate the court,” or by a prepositional phrase identifying what is requested, as in “to supplicate for mercy.” Its tone is markedly formal, solemn, and often historical, so it appears in legal documents, religious writing, literary works, and accounts of petitions to rulers or courts. Although still understood today, it is much less common than ask, request, petition, implore, or beseech. The word is especially memorable because its Latin roots evoke a suppliant bowing or folding low, an image that reflects the humility expected of someone making such an appeal. It therefore conveys not merely urgency, but also respect, submission, and a carefully expressed hope for mercy or favorable consideration.
verbTo ask or beg for something in a humble or earnest manner; to petition or make a formal request.
- To make a humble or earnest request for something; to petition or beg.
- To ask or appeal urgently, especially in a formal or historical context.
"The petitioner went to the court to supplicate for mercy."
"They appealed to the monarch to supplicate for the release of the prisoners."
"Rather than demand justice, she chose to supplicate the court with a carefully worded plea."
Supplicate comes from a Latin image of folding or bowing low, preserving the idea of a request made in deep humility.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does supplicate come from?
The English verb comes from Latin supplicāre, meaning “to petition” or “to ask humbly,” from supplex, an adjective or noun denoting a suppliant or humble petitioner. Supplex was formed from elements meaning “under” and “to fold,” evoking a posture of submission. The same Latin foundation produced related English words including supplication, supplicant, and supplicatory.
Related word forms
How supplicate is actually used
Supplicate is formal and now largely archaic or literary. It is especially associated with petitions, legal or historical appeals, and religious language. In modern writing, request, ask, petition, or implore will usually be more natural.