verb
beseech
bih-SEECH
Beseech (verb) means to beg someone urgently and earnestly for something. Example: “She beseeched the judge to show mercy on her son.”
verb
1
To beg someone urgently and earnestly for something.
"She beseeched the judge to show mercy on her son."
"He beseeched his friend not to leave without saying goodbye."
How to use beseech
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal, emotional way of saying "beg" or "plead."
When to use it
Fairly literary or old-fashioned; more common in writing, speeches, or dramatic dialogue than everyday conversation.
Common pairings
beseech someone to do something
beseech for mercy
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Word forms
- Plural
- beseeches
- Third person singular
- beseeches
- Past tense
- beseeched, besought
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the judge to show mercy on her son.
Etymology
From Middle English besechen, built on an old word meaning "to seek" — literally asking someone by seeking a favour from them.
Related words
Rhymes for beseech
See all rhymes for 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.
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