WordLens

suppliant

1 of 2noun
/ˈsʌpliənt/
Forms:suppliants
1

someone who humbly and earnestly seeks or requests something, often in a pleading manner

  • The refugee knelt before the border guard, a suppliant pleading for entry into the safe haven beyond.
  • With clasped hands and tearful eyes, the beggar approached passersby, a suppliant seeking alms to ease his hunger.
  • The diplomat acted as a suppliant, negotiating with foreign leaders for peace and cooperation between nations.
  • The protagonist of the story, facing dire circumstances, turned to her allies with a suppliant plea for assistance in her time of need.
  • In ancient times, supplicants would often visit temples, offering prayers and sacrifices as suppliant gestures to the gods in hopes of divine favor.