French word

pétition

Pronunciation

IPA/petisjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounpetition

Example

Elle a envoyé une pétition à la mairie.

She sent a petition to city hall.

Illustration for pétition (petition)

More examples

Beaucoup de citoyens ont signé la pétition.

Many citizens signed the petition.

Core concept

A shared written appeal, passed from person to person for signatures before reaching an authority.

Common phrases

  • signer une pétition

    sign a petition

  • lancer une pétition

    start a petition

  • une pétition en ligne

    an online petition

Similar words

demande: A request made to obtain something or have something done.
requête: An official procedural request for permission, action, or consideration.
lettre: A written message expressing an opinion or making a request.
manifestation: A public demonstration or gathering showing shared views or discontent.

Definition in French

Lettre collective adressée à une autorité pour demander un changement ou une intervention, généralement soutenue par des signatures.

Word origin

The noun pétition continues Latin petitio, a request formed from petere, "to seek" or "to ask," and acquired its public-request sense in French.

Usage tips

  • Common constructions include signer une pétition and adresser une pétition à une autorité.

Related words

  • pétitionnerpetitionverb
  • pétitionnairepetitionernoun

Word lists with this word