French Conversation · Level 141
30 words
French word
suppliant
Pronunciation
IPA/syplijɑ̃/
Meaning
- adjectivepleading
Example
Le chien posa un regard suppliant.
The dog gave a pleading look.
More examples
La mère fit un geste suppliant vers le médecin.
The mother made a pleading gesture toward the doctor.
Core concept
A person or animal appears ready to beg, with an expression that seeks a yes, pardon, or favor.
Common phrases
regard suppliant
imploring look
geste suppliant
pleading gesture
appel suppliant
imploring appeal
Similar words
désespéré: Seeking help with intense urgency while still retaining some hope.
Definition in French
Qui exprime une demande implorante, comme une personne qui supplie.
Word origin
French formed suppliant from supplier, inherited through Old French from Latin supplicare, which referred to humble pleading.
Usage tips
- Suppliant agrees in gender and number: regard suppliant, voix suppliante, yeux suppliants, and voix suppliantes.
Other meanings
- supplicantnoun
Opposites
- impassibleimpassiveadjective
- fermefirmadjective
Related words
- suppliqueletter of supplicationnoun
- supplierbegverb