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Entreaty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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entreaty

[ษชnหˆtriหti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

pleading

A sincere or heartfelt request or plea, especially one made in a formal or serious manner.

Synonyms

appeal, petition, plea.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
entreaty

An earnest and humble request, often used in literary or formal contexts.

  • She made an entreaty for peace during the war-time meeting
  • The childrenโ€™s entreaty for an extra day off was heartfelt
plea

An urgent and emotional request, often used in legal contexts or when someone is asking for mercy or help.

  • The mother made a plea for her son's release
  • The defendant entered a plea of not guilty in court
appeal

A request for aid, support, sympathy, or reform, typically addressing the public or an authority.

  • The charity made an appeal for donations after the natural disaster
  • He made an appeal to his friends for help with his project
petition

A formal written request typically signed by many people, appealing to authority about a particular cause.

  • The community submitted a petition to improve local road conditions
  • A petition was organized to protest against the new legislation

Examples of usage

  • She made an entreaty to her boss for a raise.
  • His entreaty for forgiveness was met with silence.
Context #2 | Noun

begging

A humble or desperate plea, often made in a begging or supplicating manner.

Synonyms

imploration, pleading, supplication.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
entreaty

Typically used in formal or literary settings to refer to an earnest or urgent request.

  • His entreaty for peace was ignored by both parties
  • Despite their entreaty, the decision remained unchanged
supplication

Frequently found in religious or spiritual contexts, suggesting a humble and sincere appeal to a higher power.

  • In her prayer, she raised her hands in supplication
  • The community gathered in supplication for the victims of the disaster
pleading

Commonly used in everyday language, indicating a serious and emotional request, often in legal context but also informal scenarios.

  • She was pleading with him not to leave
  • His pleading in court moved the jury to consider his case more sympathetically
imploration

Implies an intense, almost desperate, request or appeal, often used in dramatic contexts.

  • Her imploration to stay fell on deaf ears
  • They could hear the imploration in his voice as he begged for mercy

Examples of usage

  • The beggar's entreaty for food touched the hearts of passersby.
  • Her entreaty for help fell on deaf ears.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Numerous classic works feature entreaties as central themes, illustrating human desperation and longing.
  • Shakespeare often used characters' entreaties to highlight their emotional states, demonstrating the power of language in literature.
  • In prayers and religious texts, entreaties serve as a way for individuals to express deep needs to a higher power.

Psychology

  • Entreaties often activate emotional responses, as they reflect vulnerability and a desire for connection.
  • Research shows that heartfelt requests can elicit empathy, influencing peopleโ€™s willingness to help.
  • Effective entreaties are linked to better outcomes in conflict resolution, as they promote understanding and negotiation.

History

  • Throughout history, leaders have made entreaties during times of war to plea for peace or merciful treatment.
  • In the realm of social justice, historic entreaties have shaped movements, as individuals called for fundamental rights and societal change.
  • The concept of entreaty is often woven into diplomatic negotiations, where nations formally request cooperation or assistance.

Pop Culture

  • Songs and films frequently depict characters making emotional entreaties, capturing audiencesโ€™ hearts with their authenticity.
  • Entreaties can be pivotal plot points in romantic comedies, where a character fervently asks for forgiveness or love.
  • Popular reality shows often showcase contestants making entreaties to judges, hoping to secure their place in the competition.

Origin of 'entreaty'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'entreaty' comes from the Old French 'entretier,' meaning to treat or handle, and has roots in the Latin 'intrare,' meaning to enter.
  • It has been used since the 14th century, emphasizing its long-standing presence in the English language.
  • The evolution shows a shift from simple requests to more profound pleas that involve emotion and urgency.

The word 'entreaty' originated from the Middle English word 'entretie', which came from the Old French 'entretie', based on the verb 'entraiter' meaning 'to treat'. The sense evolved from 'discussion' to 'treatment, handling' and eventually to 'a solemn request'.

See also: entreat, maltreatment, mistreat, retreat, treat, treated, treaties, treatise, treatment, treats, treaty, untreatable, untreated.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,565, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.