Definition

Beseech refers to the act of urgently and earnestly requesting or pleading with someone to do something.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of speech

Beseech is a verb.

Synonyms

Implore, beg, entreat, plead, appeal, request, ask, solicit, supplicate.

Antonyms

Demand, command, order, dictate, direct.

Example sentences

  • The young man beseeched the judge to have mercy on his father.
  • She beseeched her boss to give her another chance to prove herself.
  • The pastor beseeched the congregation to be more charitable.
  • The parents beseeched their children to be more responsible.

Usage

Beseech is a strong and urgent form of requesting or asking for something. It can be used to convey a sense of desperation, urgency, or importance in a situation. The word beseech is often used in formal or serious contexts, such as legal, religious, or moral situations.

Beseech can be used with different prefixes and suffixes to alter its meaning. For example, the prefix “re-” can be added to create the word “rebeseech,” which means to make a request again, especially after being rejected or ignored. The suffix “-er” can be added to create “beseecher,” which refers to someone who makes a request or plea.

The word beseech has roots in Old English, with the word “besecan” meaning “to seek or search for.” Over time, the meaning evolved to include the sense of earnestly and urgently requesting or pleading for something.

In conclusion, beseech is a powerful verb used to convey an urgent and earnest request or plea for something. It can be used in a variety of formal or serious contexts, and can be modified with different prefixes and suffixes to alter its meaning or emphasis