entreat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “entreat” mean?
To ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something.
To make an earnest request or plea; to beg or implore.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or form. Both varieties use it primarily in formal/literary contexts.
Connotations
Archaic or elevated tone. In both regions, it sounds more formal than 'ask', 'request', or 'beg'.
Frequency
Rare in everyday spoken language in both the UK and US; more likely encountered in literature, historical texts, or formal oratory.
Grammar
How to Use “entreat” in a Sentence
[Sb] entreats [Sb] (for [Sth])[Sb] entreats [Sb] to INF[Sb] entreats that CLAUSE (should)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “entreat” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She entreated the king to show clemency.
- I entreat you, consider my proposal most carefully.
American English
- He entreated the judge for a lighter sentence.
- We entreat you to help us in this time of need.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Rare, except in literary or historical analysis.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound oddly formal or archaic.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “entreat”
- Incorrect: 'He entreated for money.' (Correct: 'He entreated me for money' or 'He entreated me to give him money.')
- Mixing register: Using it in casual conversation ('Can I entreat you to pass the salt?' sounds comical).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered formal, literary, and somewhat archaic. It is rare in everyday speech.
'Beg' is the most common and can be casual. 'Implore' is stronger and more emotional than 'beg'. 'Entreat' is similar in strength to 'implore' but is more formal and often found in writing.
Rarely. It is almost always transitive, requiring a direct object (the person being addressed). One might say 'She entreated and pleaded,' but the object is implied from context.
The primary noun is 'entreaty' (a serious or earnest request).
To ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something.
Entreat is usually formal, literary in register.
Entreat: in British English it is pronounced /ɪnˈtriːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɛnˈtrit/|/ɪnˈtrit/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pray and entreat”
- “To entreat the favour of”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'entreat' as a very serious 'treaty' or formal agreement you're trying to get someone to agree to by begging.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A FORCEFUL APPEAL (e.g., 'He entreated her with all his heart').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'entreat' correctly and naturally?