Begging: meaning, definitions and examples

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begging

 

[ ˈbɛɡɪŋ ]

Context #1

asking for something as charity

Begging is the act of asking for something, particularly money, as charity. It is often associated with homelessness and poverty. Begging can take many forms, from simply asking passersby for spare change to more organized begging rings. In some countries, begging is illegal, while in others, it is a common sight on the streets.

Synonyms

mendicancy, panhandling, soliciting

Examples of usage

  • Many homeless people resort to begging to survive.
  • She saw a beggar on the street, holding out a cup for donations.
  • The act of begging has been a controversial issue in many cities.
  • Despite the cold weather, the beggars continued to ask for money.
  • People often feel conflicted about giving money to those who are begging.
Context #2

making a persistent request

To beg means to make a persistent request, especially for something that is desired or needed. It can involve pleading or imploring someone for help or mercy. Begging can also refer to asking for something in a very humble or desperate manner.

Synonyms

beseech, implore, plead

Examples of usage

  • She begged him to forgive her for her mistake.
  • The child begged for a puppy for weeks before her birthday.
  • He was begging for a second chance to prove himself.
  • Please don't beg for things you don't really need.
  • The prisoner begged for clemency from the judge.

Translations

Translations of the word "begging" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mendicância

🇮🇳 भीख मांगना

🇩🇪 Betteln

🇮🇩 mengemis

🇺🇦 жебракування

🇵🇱 żebranie

🇯🇵 物乞い (ものごい)

🇫🇷 mendicité

🇪🇸 mendicidad

🇹🇷 dilencilik

🇰🇷 구걸 (gug-eol)

🇸🇦 التسوّل

🇨🇿 žebrání

🇸🇰 žobranie

🇨🇳 乞讨 (qǐtǎo)

🇸🇮 prosjačenje

🇮🇸 betl

🇰🇿 қайыршылық

🇬🇪 მათხოვრობა

🇦🇿 dilənçilik

🇲🇽 mendicidad

Word origin

The word 'begging' has its origins in Old English, where 'beggen' meant to ask for alms. Over time, the meaning evolved to include asking for anything in a supplicating manner. Begging has been a practice throughout history, with various forms seen in different cultures. While it is often associated with poverty and homelessness, begging has also been used as a religious practice in some traditions.

See also: beg, beggar.