Is there a difference between "supplicant" and "sycophant"?

[sentinelranger]

Cambridge Dictionary defines "supplicant" as:

• a person who asks a god or someone who is in a position of power for something in a humble way

whereas the same dictionary defines "sycophant" as:

• someone who praises powerful or rich people in a way that is not sincere, usually in order to get some advantage from them:

These words seem to give off the impression of someone asking a powerful or rich person for favors. But I can't tell what that difference is. Perhaps a supplicant is someone who just simply asks for help because they have no other choice; they are afflicted by a problem they cannot solve on their own and request assistance from someone who has the means or the knowledge to resolve the aggrieved person's problem. Whereas a sycophant is a bootlicker; someone who intentionally acts subservient to a powerful/rich person in exchange for favors? I could be wrong, but let me know your thoughts.

 

[5jj]

You are reading too much into 'supplicant'. The original definition seems OK to me.

 

[jutfrank]

whereas the same dictionary defines "sycophant" as:

• someone who praises powerful or rich people in a way that is not sincere, usually in order to get some advantage from them:

The blue part is implied only, and not an essential part of the meaning. With supplicant, the asking for something is the essence of the meaning.

 

[SoothingDave]

Yes, a sycophant is a bootlicker. A suck-up. An ass kisser.