implore
C1/C2Formal, Literary
Definition
Meaning
To beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something.
To make an urgent, heartfelt appeal, often driven by desperation, deep desire, or a perceived critical need.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries a strong sense of emotional intensity and urgency. Implies a power imbalance where the one imploring is in a position of need or inferiority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage between UK and US English.
Connotations
Equally formal and intense in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in literary contexts than in everyday speech in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to implore somebody to do somethingto implore somebody for something"Do not leave," she implored.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to implore on bended knee”
- “to implore to the heavens”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might be used in a dramatic plea to a superior or stakeholder (e.g., 'I implore the board to reconsider the layoffs').
Academic
Found in literary analysis, historical texts, or drama studies.
Everyday
Uncommon; reserved for situations of extreme emotional gravity.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The villagers implored the lord for mercy.
- "Stay with me," he implored, his voice breaking.
American English
- She implored the senator to vote against the bill.
- I implore you to reconsider your decision.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The child implored his parents for one more story.
- He implored her to forgive him.
- The refugees implored the aid workers for food and water.
- With tears in her eyes, she implored the judge for leniency.
- The ambassador implored the international community to intervene before a humanitarian catastrophe unfolded.
- In his final soliloquy, the character implores the gods to grant him a swift death.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone crying out, 'I'm on the floor, I IMPLORE you!'
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (to press upon someone with words), SUPPLICATION IS A JOURNEY DOWNWARDS (bending, kneeling).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'умолять' (to beg) which is more common and less formal. 'Implore' has a more urgent, desperate, and literary feel.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'explore' (phonetic similarity). Using in casual contexts where 'ask' or 'beg' would suffice. Incorrect valency: *'I implored him for helping me' (should be 'to help').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'implore' most correctly and typically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is quite formal and literary. It is more common in written English, drama, and formal speeches than in everyday conversation.
'Implore' is more formal, literary, and often suggests a more eloquent or desperate plea. 'Beg' is more common and can be used in both serious and casual contexts (e.g., begging for money vs. begging for a cookie).
Yes, but it's less common. It often appears in direct speech (e.g., '"Please," he implored.') or with an implied object from context.
The most common pattern is: Subject + implore + Person (Object) + to-infinitive (e.g., 'She implored him to stay'). Another is: Subject + implore + Person + for + Noun (e.g., 'They implored the king for peace').