noun / adjective

supplicant

SUP-lih-kunt/ˈsʌplɪkənt/

Humbly asking for something, or a person doing so.

The supplicant bows his head and quietly asks for help.

A person with clasped hands makes an earnest humble request to a listener at a doorway.

Etymology

supLatinunder

+plicLatinappease, soothe

+antLatindoing the action

The appeasing root connects the request with seeking someone's favor. The Latin combination meant “plead humbly,” and its participial form became a name for the person making that plea.

In context

misesmedia59:47

would not tend to poverty and would not tend to ever bring him to them as a supplicant for their charity

Vices Are NOT Crimes | Lysander Spooner

More examples

The supplicants wait outside the governor's office, hoping for mercy.
His supplicant tone softens her refusal.
She feels like a supplicant whenever she asks her brother for money.

Forms

supplicant · supplicants

supplicate verb — To ask humbly or plead earnestly.

supplication noun — A humble, earnest request for help.

Similar words

petitioner: Often makes a formal request rather than a humble plea.
beggar: Usually asks for money or food, often from strangers.
imploring: Describes urgent, emotional pleading without necessarily suggesting humility.