beseech
5 synonyms for beseech, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To beg someone urgently and earnestly for something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use beseech
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
beseech someone to do something
beseech for mercy
Fairly literary or old-fashioned; more common in writing, speeches, or dramatic dialogue than everyday conversation.
Etymology
From Middle English besechen, built on an old word meaning "to seek" — literally asking someone by seeking a favour from them.
Full origin of beseech →Frequently asked questions
What does “beseech” mean?
The word “beseech” means to beg someone urgently and earnestly for something. In plain terms, a formal, emotional way of saying "beg" or "plead.".
How do you pronounce “beseech”?
“Beseech” is pronounced bih-SEECH (/bɪˈsiːt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “beseech” in a sentence?
Here is “beseech” used in a sentence: “She beseeched the judge to show mercy on her son.”
What part of speech is “beseech”?
“Beseech” is a verb.
Where does the word “beseech” come from?
The word “beseech” comes from Middle English. From Middle English besechen, built on an old word meaning "to seek" — literally asking someone by seeking a favour from them.
