Beseeching Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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beseeching

[bɪˈsiːtʃɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in prayer

To ask earnestly; to implore; to beg.

Synonyms

beg, entreat, implore.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
beseeching

Used when making an emotional and urgent request, often in a formal or literary context.

  • With beseeching eyes, the child asked for just one more chance
implore

Implies an emotional and heartfelt plea, often used in intense situations.

  • She implored her parents to let her follow her dreams
beg

Commonly used in informal settings when asking desperately or repeatedly.

  • I beg you, please don't leave me alone
entreat

Typically used in formal or literary contexts to request earnestly and solemnly.

  • He would entreat his friends to support his cause

Examples of usage

  • She beseeched him to forgive her.
  • The villagers beseeched the king for help.
Context #2 | Verb

in a pleading manner

To request earnestly; to solicit.

Synonyms

petition, plead, urge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
beseeching

Used when someone is asking earnestly and emotionally, often in a desperate or heartfelt manner.

  • She gave him a beseeching look, silently asking for his help
plead

Used when someone is making an emotional appeal or request, often in situations involving legal or serious personal matters.

  • He pleaded with the judge to show leniency towards his client
petition

Used when someone is making a formal request, often in writing, to an authority or a large group. It's more structured and official.

  • They gathered signatures for a petition to improve park facilities
urge

Used when someone is strongly and earnestly encouraging or advising someone to do something. It is less emotional and more about persuasion.

  • The doctor urged him to quit smoking for the sake of his health

Examples of usage

  • He beseeched her to reconsider her decision.
  • The child beseeched his parents for a puppy.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often beseech gods or otherworldly figures, showcasing desperation or deep longing.
  • Shakespeare frequently used this expression, indicating the gravity of a character's plea or need.
  • The word evokes a sense of urgency found in dramatic moments, heightening emotional resonance in poetry and prose.

Psychology

  • The act of beseeching reflects a human need for connection, showing vulnerability in our requests for help.
  • Research shows that making sincere and earnest requests can lead to more favorable responses from others.
  • Beseeching can be seen as a form of emotional expression, often linked to deeper needs or fears.

Pop Culture

  • The term pops up in various films and songs to convey heartfelt pleas, often during dramatic moments.
  • It is commonly used in speeches and social movements, where individuals beseech others to take action on important issues.
  • Popular characters in stories may use beseeching as a strategy to convey their plight, making audiences empathize with them.

Language Use

  • Though it sounds formal, 'beseeching' is often used in everyday conversations to emphasize a serious request, adding weight to the speaker's intent.
  • The word evokes a richer emotional tone than simply saying 'ask,' as it includes a sense of urgency and sincerity.
  • 'Beseech' can be used in both written and spoken contexts, often appearing in contexts where emotion is paramount.

Origin of 'beseeching'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'besycan,' meaning to request or ask earnestly.
  • 'Beseech' has roots in Middle English, reflecting a long history of conveying urgency in requests.
  • It combines 'be' (to make or be) with 'seecan,' which relates to seeking.

The word 'beseeching' originated from the Middle English word 'bisechen', which came from the Old English word 'besecan', meaning 'to seek, beseech'. The prefix 'be-' signifies 'thoroughly' or 'about', while 'secan' means 'to seek'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form in Modern English, retaining its essence of earnestly asking or pleading for something.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,307, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.