Beseeched Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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beseeched

[bih-siหtสƒt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

pleading request

To beseech means to urgently and fervently ask someone to do something. It often implies a deep emotional appeal or desperation in the request.

Synonyms

entreat, implore, plead, request, urge.

Examples of usage

  • She beseeched him to stay.
  • The children beseeched their parents for a puppy.
  • He was beseeched by the villagers for assistance during the storm.
  • I beseeched her to reconsider her decision.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many classic stories feature characters who beseech others, emphasizing the power of desperation and longing.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often beseech the gods or one another, showcasing intense emotional appeals.
  • The word is frequently used to create a feeling of urgency in poetry, highlighting deep desires.

Pop Culture

  • In modern films, characters often beseech others for help during critical moments, heightening drama.
  • Songs about love and longing often use 'beseech' to express heartfelt requests to partners.
  • Social media campaigns sometimes use 'beseech' to appeal for support or action, emphasizing urgency.

Psychology

  • The act of beseeching can illustrate a personโ€™s emotional state, revealing feelings of vulnerability or dependence.
  • Psychologically, when people beseech, it can create a connection, invoking empathy in the audience.
  • It also showcases the human need for assistance and the power dynamics involved in asking for help.

Communication

  • Beseeching conveys more urgency than simply asking, often accompanied by emotional or physical expressions.
  • Body language and tone dramatically affect how a beseeching request is received, impacting its effectiveness.
  • Different cultures may interpret beseeching in various ways, either as a sign of weakness or a call for communal support.

Origin of 'beseeched'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'besecean', meaning 'to seek out urgently'.
  • It has roots in Germanic languages, connected to the idea of seeking or searching earnestly.
  • The term evolved through Middle English before taking its modern form.

The word 'beseech' comes from the Old English 'besฤ“can', which means 'to seek, to request'. Over time, it evolved into the Middle English 'besechen', retaining much of its original meaning. The prefix 'be-' suggests a thoroughness or intensity in the action, aligning with its modern connotation of earnest pleading. Beseech has been used in literature and religious contexts throughout the centuries, emphasizing the emotional weight of a request. Its usage in classic texts has cemented its place in the English language as a term conveying urgency and deep emotional connection in communication.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,016, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.