entreat

IPA/ɪnˈtriːt/
IPA/ɪnˈtriːt/

entreat — verb

  • entreatpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • entreatshe / she / it
  • entreatedpast simple
  • entreating-ing form

1. to ask someone very seriously and with strong feeling to do something, usually i

1.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

to ask someone very seriously and with strong feeling to do something, usually in a formal or old-fashioned way.

Example

Adina entreated the landlord to wait one more week for the rent.

entreat + somebody + to-infinitive

The villagers entreated the governor to reopen the mountain road before winter.

public appeal to someone in authority

Common collocations
  • entreat someone to stay
  • entreat someone to forgive
  • earnestly entreat
  • humbly entreat
Synonyms
  • beg

    more everyday and less formal than entreat

  • plead with

    common in speech and news writing; emotional but less old-fashioned

  • implore

    stronger and more dramatic, often suggesting deeper distress

  • beseech

    more literary and archaic than entreat

Antonyms
  • command

    to order someone instead of asking earnestly

  • order

    to tell someone to act with authority

Grammar Patterns

entreat + somebody + to-infinitive

entreat + somebody + not to-infinitive

Usage Note

Usually names the person being asked directly after the verb, followed by what you want that person to do. It sounds more formal and slightly older than 'beg' or 'plead with', so it appears more often in writing, speeches, or historical-style narration than in casual conversation.

Common Mistakes

She entreated for the judge to wait.
She entreated the judge to wait.
name the person directly after 'entreat'; do not use 'for' before the listener.
They entreated to open the gate.
They entreated the guard to open the gate.
this verb normally states who is being asked.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All five words describe urgent asking, but they differ in tone and register. 'Beg' is the everyday choice and can sound plain, desperate, or emotional in speech. 'Plead' is also common, especially in news writing or public appeals such as 'parents pleaded with the mayor'. 'Implore' is stronger and more dramatic, often suggesting visible distress. 'Entreat' is formal and slightly old-fashioned, with a respectful tone that suits novels, speeches, or historical writing more than casual talk. 'Beseech' is the most literary and archaic of the group. In modern English, a parent might 'plead with' a teacher in conversation, while a historical novel might say the villagers 'entreated' the governor to show mercy.

entreat ↗beg ↗plead ↗implore ↗beseech ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

Phrases

  • entreat someone to stay
  • entreat someone to listen
  • entreat the judge
  • entreat the authorities

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word came into English through Old French forms related to 'traiter', 'to deal with or handle', ultimately from Latin 'tractare'. Early English could use 'entreat' in the broader sense of 'deal with' or 'treat', but over time the main meaning narrowed to making a serious, respectful request. That history helps explain why the word still sounds formal and somewhat old-fashioned today.

First known use

14th century

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 2a