intreat
Extremely Rare / ObsoleteArchaic, Literary, Poetic
Definition
Meaning
An archaic spelling of 'entreat', meaning to ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something; to beg or plead.
The act of making an earnest or humble request, often with a sense of urgency or desperation. In historical or poetic contexts, it can imply persistent supplication.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
'Intreat' is not a modern variant but an obsolete spelling of 'entreat'. It is found primarily in Early Modern English texts (e.g., the King James Bible, Shakespeare) and historical documents. It is functionally identical to 'entreat' in meaning. Modern dictionaries list it as a variant, but it is essentially out of use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No modern regional distinction exists, as the word itself is obsolete. Historically, 'intreat' and 'entreat' were used interchangeably in both UK and US English until 'entreat' became standardised. Archaic instances appear in foundational texts of both traditions.
Connotations
In contemporary encounters, 'intreat' would carry a strong archaic, biblical, or Shakespearean connotation, regardless of region.
Frequency
Effectively zero frequency in both modern British and American English. Searches in modern corpora yield no results.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + intreat + [Object] (e.g., I intreat you)[Subject] + intreat + [Object] + to-infinitive (e.g., She intreated him to stay)[Subject] + intreat + for + [Noun] (e.g., They intreated for peace)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To intreat the favour of... (archaic formal opening)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only found in historical linguistics or textual analysis of early modern literature.
Everyday
Not used. Would be perceived as a mistake for 'entreat' or an affectation.
Technical
Not used in any modern technical field.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'I do intreat your patience,' he read from the Shakespearean script.
- The historical letter concluded, 'And thus I intreat your swift response.'
American English
- In the reenactment, the colonist did intreat the governor for clemency.
- The old family Bible contained the verse 'I intreat thee.'
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable; no adverb form for 'intreat')
American English
- (Not applicable; no adverb form for 'intreat')
adjective
British English
- (Not applicable; no adjective form for 'intreat')
American English
- (Not applicable; no adjective form for 'intreat')
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Not applicable for this archaic word at A2 level.)
- (Not recommended for B1 active use. Recognise as old form of 'ask/beg'.)
- The poet used the archaic 'intreat' to give the verse an antique feel.
- If you see 'intreat' in an old book, it means the same as 'entreat'.
- Analysing the 1611 text, we see the consistent use of 'intreat' where modern editions have standardised it to 'entreat'.
- The semantic field of supplication in the sermon included 'pray', 'beseech', and 'intreat'.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IN a TREATy negotiation, parties ENTREAT each other. 'Intreat' is the old-fashioned way to spell that earnest request.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLEA IS A PHYSICAL FORCE DIRECTED AT SOMEONE ('He intreated her with all his might'). REQUEST IS A HUMBLE GIFT ('She intreated him with her words').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите дословно как 'в-лечить'. Это исторический вариант 'entreat' (умолять, упрашивать).
- Не путать с современным 'entreat', которое имеет идентичное значение и произношение.
- В современном тексте использование 'intreat' будет ошибкой или стилизацией.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'intreat' in modern writing (use 'entreat' or 'implore').
- Misspelling modern 'entreat' as 'intreat'.
- Pronouncing it differently from 'entreat' (they are homophones).
Practice
Quiz
What is the modern, standard spelling of the archaic verb 'intreat'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Intreat' is an obsolete spelling of 'entreat'. It is only correct when referencing historical texts. In modern writing, you should always use 'entreat'.
No, you should not learn it for active use. You should recognise it as an archaic form of 'entreat' when reading old literature or the King James Bible.
It is pronounced exactly the same as the modern word 'entreat': /ɪnˈtriːt/.
It's part of the general standardisation of English spelling. The prefix 'en-' (from French) became standardised for this word, aligning it with similar words like 'enclose', 'enlighten'. The 'in-' spelling fell out of use.