English vocabulary · B2
Entreat
/ɪnˈtriːt/ · v.
It means to beg someone truly and kindly, hoping they will finally agree.
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Example sentences
- The boy entreated his dad for one more chance.
- She entreated the guard to let her through.
Word origin and roots
from Old French
- en — make (from Old French)
- treat — deal with (from Old French)
Synonyms and nuances
- BEG — ask urgently for something (Casual And Direct)
- PLEAD — ask with strong emotion (Formal And Emotional)
- IMPLORE — beg with deep urgency (Desperate And Serious)
Words with the same root
treat — deal with
- treaty — an official agreement between groups
- treatise — a long serious piece of writing
- retreat — to move back away from a place
Lesson notes
Entreat. It means to beg someone truly and kindly, hoping they will finally agree.
Related: beg, plead, implore. Use entreat when a request comes from the heart.
The boy entreated his dad for one more chance. She entreated the guard to let her through.
From Old French. En- means make. Treat- means deal with. Making a deal from the heart, that is entreat.