Entreaty: meaning, definitions and examples

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

• She made an entreaty for peace during the war-time meeting
• The children’s entreaty for an extra day off was heartfelt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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