Begging: meaning, definitions and examples
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begging
[ ˈbɛɡɪŋ ]
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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| begging |
Used when someone is asking for help or support, usually in desperate conditions.
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| panhandling |
A casual and informal term mainly used in North America, referring to the act of asking strangers for money in public places.
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| soliciting |
Used when someone is asking for something, such as money, donations, or business, in a more formal or organized manner.
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| mendicancy |
A formal or archaic term for the practice of begging, often used in historical or literary contexts.
|
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.
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| begging |
Used when someone is desperate and asking for something earnestly, often in a humble or pitiable manner.
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| plead |
Often used in legal or serious situations to make an emotional or sincere request or appeal.
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| implore |
Used when making an earnest or desperate appeal, typically suggesting a deep emotional plea.
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| beseech |
A formal or old-fashioned way to ask someone very urgently and fervently to do something.
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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
Etymology
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.