entreat

USAGE SUMMARY

"entreat" is a word used in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to help you, or to do you a favor. Example: "Please entreat me with an answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The attempt to import US pancakes as a breakfast item is ongoing, and, occasionally, chefs and food writers entreat us to explore savoury pancakes, but are either of those wise?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He would entreat her to possess him before a performance.

The Economist

Mr Zardari is now scheduled to make another trip to Saudi Arabia in early November to entreat the Kingdom to bail out its old friend.But Plan B is already swinging into action.

The Economist

In 190 bce, allied with the Seleucids against Rome and Pergamum, the Phocaeans so savagely repelled the Roman forces that the praetor Lucius Aemilius Regillus was obliged to withdraw his men and entreat the citizens not to take the war so seriously; his infuriated troops took advantage of the truce to sack the city.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They believed some of the stars to be gods and performed rituals to entreat their presence, and they also used astronomy in practical affairs (e.g., to determine when to plant corn).

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the second time in a couple of months — the first being at the Guggenheim retrospective of the meteoric Chinese festivalist Cai Guo-Qiang — New Yorkers have a chance to absorb our new geo-spiritual fate, as provincials in a world of creative paradigms that no longer entreat our favor.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Speaker after speaker entreated the younger generation to continue the moral crusade that they had begun, to shape the future of Uganda according to local values.

The Guardian

These are good reasons for remonstrating with him, or reasoning with him, or persuading him, or entreating him, but not for compelling him, or visiting him with any evil in case he do otherwise.

The Economist

This time Knivet was one of the goods traded in return for tools, despite entreating the Portuguese commander "to give me leave to end my life amongst the Cannibals".Bloudie crueltie and Heathen mercyKnivet was pressed into service once more as a slave-gatherer.

The Economist

Utilizing their influence in the army, in which many of them were officers, they started a mutiny in several units, which they entreated to defend the rightful interests of Constantine against his usurping brother.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ronald Reagan's famous 1987 speech in which he entreated the Soviet leader, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that "entreat" often implies a sense of humility or respect towards the person being asked.

Common error

Avoid using "entreat" in casual conversations or informal writing. The word's formal tone can sound out of place in everyday contexts; opt for simpler alternatives like "ask" or "request" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "entreat" is as a verb, indicating the act of earnestly requesting or pleading with someone. As Ludwig AI says, it's used when asking someone to help or do a favor. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, from literature to news reports.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "entreat" is a formal verb used to express a sincere and earnest request. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s typically employed when urging someone to grant a favor or take a specific action. While grammatically correct, its formality makes it more suitable for written or formal contexts, as showcased in examples from The New York Times, The Guardian, and Encyclopedia Britannica. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "ask" or "request" might be more appropriate. Remember to reserve "entreat" for situations where you wish to convey a sense of urgency, respect, and sincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beseech

This term is very close in meaning to "entreat", suggesting a humble and earnest request.

implore

Implore emphasizes the desperation or urgency behind the request, making it slightly stronger than "entreat".

plead with

This phrase conveys a sense of begging or earnestly asking someone for something.

appeal to

Appeal to suggests making a serious or formal request, often based on emotions or principles.

beg

Beg implies a humble and urgent request, often when one is in a position of need.

urge

Urge suggests a strong encouragement or recommendation, which can sometimes overlap with "entreat".

solicit

Solicit implies asking for something, often in a formal or commercial context.

petition

Petition suggests making a formal written request to an authority.

importune

Importune means to ask persistently or demandingly, sometimes to the point of annoyance.

supplicate

Supplicate implies a humble and earnest prayer or request, often to a higher power.

FAQs

How to use "entreat" in a sentence?

You can use "entreat" to express a sincere and earnest request. For example, "I "entreat" you to reconsider your decision" or "They "entreated" the king for mercy".

What can I say instead of "entreat"?

You can use alternatives like "beseech", "implore", or "plead with" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "entreat" a formal word?

Yes, "entreat" is considered a formal word. It is often used in literature, legal documents, and other formal writing to add a sense of gravity and sincerity to a request or plea. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "entreat" and "ask"?

"Entreat" is a more formal and earnest way of asking. While "ask" is a general term for requesting something, "entreat" implies a deeper level of sincerity and a more significant request. You would "entreat" someone for something of great importance, not for a simple favor.