C1noun formal 3K

Petition

🇬🇧 UK /["/pəˈtɪʃn/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/pəˈtɪʃn/"]/

Meaning of Petition

a written document signed by a large number of people that asks somebody in a position of authority to do or change something

In simple words: A formal request to change something, usually signed by many people.

Petition in a sentence

• The citizens signed a petition to request better public transportation services.
• She organized a petition to save the local park from being sold to developers.
• The petition was submitted to the city council for review and action.
• They presented a petition asking for extended library hours during exam week.
• A legal petition was filed to appeal the court's decision.

How to use Petition

Use 'petition' in formal contexts, especially when discussing requests for change or appeals to authority. Avoid using it in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

petition + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'pet' you care for that needs to be 'titioned' (heard) by someone in charge.

Related words

Collocations with Petition

• protest
• online
• nominating
• sign
• draft
• launch
• ask something
• ask for something
• call for something
• petition against
• petition by
• petition from
• court
• bankruptcy
• divorce
• file
• submit
• hear
• petition for
• petition on behalf of

Synonyms for Petition

• request
• appeal
• plea
• application
• solicitation

Opposites of Petition

• objection
• disapproval
• opposition

Common mistakes with Petition

• Confusing 'petition' with 'petitioning' - remember that 'petition' is the noun.
• Using 'petition' without an object - e.g., say 'a petition to change the law', not just 'a petition'.
• Mispronouncing 'petition' as 'pet-tion' instead of 'pe-tish-un'.

Frequently asked questions about Petition

What does Petition mean?

A formal request to change something, usually signed by many people.

What is the definition of Petition?

a written document signed by a large number of people that asks somebody in a position of authority to do or change something

How do you use Petition in a sentence?

The citizens signed a petition to request better public transportation services.

Can you give another example of Petition?

She organized a petition to save the local park from being sold to developers.

What are synonyms for Petition?

Common alternatives include request, appeal, plea, application, solicitation.

What is the opposite of Petition?

Opposite meanings include objection, disapproval, opposition.

What words go with Petition?

It commonly pairs with protest, online, nominating, sign, draft, launch, ask something, ask for something, call for something, petition against, petition by, petition from, court, bankruptcy, divorce, file, submit, hear, petition for, petition on behalf of.

What are common mistakes when using Petition?

Confusing 'petition' with 'petitioning' - remember that 'petition' is the noun. Using 'petition' without an object - e.g., say 'a petition to change the law', not just 'a petition'. Mispronouncing 'petition' as 'pet-tion' instead of 'pe-tish-un'.

How do you pronounce Petition?

US: /["/pəˈtɪʃn/"]/, UK: /["/pəˈtɪʃn/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Petition formal or informal?

"Petition" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Petition?

Use 'petition' in formal contexts, especially when discussing requests for change or appeals to authority. Avoid using it in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Petition?

"Petition" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.