beg

The word “beg” means to ask urgently for something, often money, food, or a favor. In plain terms, to ask for something urgently, often out of need or desperation.

“Beg” is pronounced BEHG (/ˈbɛɡ/ in IPA).

Here is “beg” used in a sentence: “The homeless man begged for spare change outside the station.”

Words with a similar meaning to “beg” include beseech, entreat and sue.

“Beg” is a verb.

The word “beg” comes from Old English. Comes from Middle English beggen, a word of murky origin possibly connected to Old English roots meaning "to petition" or "to pray" — ultimately related to the verb "bid.".

“Beg” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Beg” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to ask urgently for something, often money, food, or a favor.

Traditionally, to beg the question is to commit a logical fallacy: assuming the very conclusion you are supposed to be proving. In everyday modern use the phrase has come to mean "raises the obvious question," a sense so widespread that most dictionaries now record it, though careful writers still avoid it in formal argument.

Both involve asking urgently, but plead emphasizes an earnest, often emotional appeal and has a separate legal sense (to plead guilty), while beg emphasizes urgent asking from a position of need — including asking strangers for money or food. Beg can also sound more desperate or humble than plead.

"I beg your pardon" sits at the formal, polite end of the spectrum. Depending on tone, it can be a courteous apology, a request for someone to repeat what they said, or — delivered sharply — an expression of offense.

"I beg to differ" is a polite, slightly formal way of saying "I disagree." The beg here preserves an old courteous use meaning "to ask permission," so the phrase literally asks leave to hold a different opinion.