petition
A formal written document that many people sign to ask a person or organization in power to do something. It is a way for a group of people to show that they all want a specific change or action.
Examples
3 of 5The neighbors started a petition to fix the broken street lights.
The local people created a document to ask for better lighting on the street.
The citizens submitted a formal petition to the city council regarding the new tax.
The people gave an official signed request to the local government about the new cost.
Can you sign this petition to help save the local library from closing?
Would you please add your name to this paper to help keep the library open?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'pet-' in 'petition' as 'seeking' (like a pet seeking attention) and the 'pen' you use to sign it.
Quick Quiz
Thousands of people signed the _____ to stop the construction of the new highway.
Correct!
The correct answer is: petition
Examples
The neighbors started a petition to fix the broken street lights.
everydayThe local people created a document to ask for better lighting on the street.
The citizens submitted a formal petition to the city council regarding the new tax.
formalThe people gave an official signed request to the local government about the new cost.
Can you sign this petition to help save the local library from closing?
informalWould you please add your name to this paper to help keep the library open?
The research paper analyzes the impact of digital petitions on modern political movements.
academicThe study looks at how online signed requests change today's politics.
Employees filed a petition for more flexible working hours.
businessThe workers gave an official request to the company to change their work times.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
launch a petition
to officially start a campaign to collect signatures
present a petition
to hand over the signed document to an authority
petition for divorce
a legal document used to start the process of ending a marriage
Often Confused With
An appeal is usually a request to change a specific legal decision, whereas a petition is a broader request for action or a new law.
Usage Notes
Petition is used both as a noun for the document itself and as a verb for the act of asking. It is most common in political, legal, and community contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often treat 'petition' as an uncountable noun; remember to use 'a' or 'the' because it is a countable document.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'pet-' in 'petition' as 'seeking' (like a pet seeking attention) and the 'pen' you use to sign it.
Word Origin
From the Latin word 'petitio', which means a request, a blow, or a seeking.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many democratic countries, petitioning the government is considered a fundamental right for citizens to express their opinions.
Quick Quiz
Thousands of people signed the _____ to stop the construction of the new highway.
Correct!
The correct answer is: petition
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More law words
liberty
A1Liberty is the state of being free within society from control or oppressive restrictions. it is the right and power to believe, act, and express oneself as one chooses.
equality
A1Equality is the state of being the same, especially in having the same rights, status, and opportunities. It means that every person is treated fairly and has the same chances in life regardless of their background.
harassment
A1Harassment is behavior that is not wanted and makes someone feel unhappy, scared, or uncomfortable. It usually happens many times and can include mean words, physical actions, or messages online.
libel
A1Libel is a written statement that is false and damages a person's reputation. It refers to lies that are published in books, newspapers, or online that make people think badly of someone.
slander
A1Slander is a false spoken statement that is intended to damage someone's reputation. It is a legal term for defamation that occurs through speech rather than in writing.
due process
A1Due process is the legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights that are owed to a person. It ensures that laws are applied fairly and that every person has a chance to tell their side of the story before a decision is made.
burden of proof
A1The responsibility to provide facts or evidence to show that a statement is true. In a court or an argument, the person making a claim must prove it to others.
reasonable doubt
A1A legal standard that means a jury must be very sure a person is guilty of a crime. If there is a logical reason to think the person might be innocent, the jury has a reasonable doubt.
double jeopardy
A1Double jeopardy is a legal rule that stops a person from being tried twice for the same crime. After a court makes a final decision, the government cannot take the person to court again for that specific act.
habeas corpus
A1A legal principle or court order that requires a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court. This ensures that a prisoner can be released if there is no legal reason to keep them in jail.
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