Meaning
- Petition (noun): A formal written request, often signed by many people, asking an authority (like a government or court) to take action.
- Petition (verb): To formally request something from an authority, usually in writing.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Noun, Verb
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As a noun: a petition for divorce, a petition against war.
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As a verb: to petition the government, to petition for change.
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Patterns:
- petition for + noun/verb-ing → They filed a petition for release.
- petition against + noun → Citizens petitioned against the new law.
- petition somebody to do something → They petitioned the mayor to improve safety.
Common Phrases
- file a petition – submit a formal request.
- sign a petition – add one’s name to support a request.
- petition for divorce – formally request divorce in court.
- petition the government – ask the government to act.
- online petition – digital version of a petition, often via websites.
Collocations
- verb + petition: file, sign, submit, launch, circulate, reject, grant
- adjective + petition: formal, legal, online, public, collective
- preposition + petition: petition for, petition against, petition to
Examples
- Thousands of people signed the petition to save the park.
- The group petitioned the court for a review of the decision.
- They filed a petition for bankruptcy after the crisis.
- Citizens petitioned the mayor to improve road safety.
- The students launched an online petition against tuition increases.
- She submitted a petition for divorce last month.
- Activists petitioned the government to ban plastic bags.
- The company rejected the petition from its employees.
Synonyms or Related
- appeal
- request
- plea
- application
- entreaty
- motion (in legal contexts)