Beseech: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in formal or literary contexts to show earnest or desperate appeal.

• I beseech you to reconsider your decision

Used in more emotional or dramatic situations, emphasizing desperation or strong feeling.

• She implored him to stay

Used in formal or old-fashioned contexts, often implies a sincere and earnest request.

• I entreat you to listen to my explanation

Used in everyday conversations, often showing a sense of humility or desperation.

• I beg you, please help me

Often used in legal or emotional contexts, usually denotes a serious or urgent request.

• The lawyer pleaded with the judge for leniency

Used in formal or neutral contexts, generally for polite or official asks.

• I would like to request a meeting with the manager

Used when asking urgently and fervently for something, often in a dramatic or heartfelt manner. It has an old-fashioned or literary tone.

• He knelt down to beseech the king for mercy
• She could only beseech him to stay a little longer

Emphasizes desperate or urgent pleading, often with emotional intensity. It is stronger than 'beg' and has a dramatic tone.

• She implored him to reconsider his decision
• The refugees implored the border guards for help

Used in more formal or literary contexts when making an earnest or serious request. It suggests a sincere appeal.

• She would often entreat her children to behave properly
• He entreated the judge to show leniency

Commonly used in everyday language when asking for something desperately. It can also have a negative connotation, implying weakness or lack of dignity.

• He had to beg for money on the streets
• She begged him not to leave her alone

Used when making an emotional appeal, often in a legal or serious context. It implies a deep sense of need or urgency.

• He pleaded with the jury to spare his client
• She pleaded for her life during the attack

Used in formal or polite situations when asking for something in a straightforward manner. It is neutral and lacks the urgency or emotion of the other words.

• She kindly requested more information about the program
• The manager requested the employees to submit their reports