petitioner
gb/pətˈɪʃənɚ/ us/pətˈɪʃənɚ/
C1
English
~ 7600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
C1
entity
1
person making a formal petition
A person who makes an official written request to a court or other authority.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is the petitioner in [a case]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "petitioner" for any person who simply asks for something in daily life. However, "petitioner" is mainly used in formal or legal situations, such as court cases or official requests. In everyday conversation, words like "person", "applicant", or "requester" are usually more natural. Learners also sometimes confuse "petitioner" with "respondent" or "defendant"; the petitioner is the one starting the case or request, while the respondent or defendant is the one answering it.
Synonyms
applicant (More general and less legal; used for people formally asking for something such as a job, visa, or license, not only in court.)
Antonyms
respondent (In legal and official contexts, the respondent is the person or party who must answer the petitioner's request or complaint.)
Collocations
the petitioner
|petitioner and respondent
|lead petitioner
|original petitioner
|divorce petitioner
|as a petitioner
Themes
law
|government
|society
|communication
Examples
- The petitioner asked the court to review the government’s decision.
- In this case, the petitioner claims that her rights were violated.
- The judge ruled in favor of the petitioner after hearing all the evidence.
- The petitioner must file all required documents before the hearing date.
- The court ordered the respondent to reply to the petitioner within thirty days.
Learner examples
- The petitioner wrote a letter to the court.
- The judge listened carefully to the petitioner.
- The petitioner wants the city to change the new law.
- In this case, Maria is the petitioner and John is the respondent.
- The petitioner needs a lawyer to help with the case.
Grammar
Dictionary form
petitioner
IPA
GB/pətˈɪʃənɚ/
US/pətˈɪʃənɚ/
Syllables & stress
pe - ti - tion - er (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ti)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: petitioner
- Plural: petitioners
Word family
Forms
petitioners
noun
Core family
petition
noun B2
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.