beseech etymology

Etymology:

• Old French: "beseschier"
• Late Latin: "besecius"
• Medieval Latin: "besechius"
• Vulgar Latin: "besigare"
• Proto-Indo-European root: "*sekw-" (to follow, pursue)

Meaning:

To beg or request earnestly and humbly, often with an implication of desperation or pleading.

Origin:

The word "beseech" originated as a legal term in the Middle Ages. It was used to describe the act of making a formal petition to a judge or magistrate. Over time, the meaning of the word broadened to include any type of earnest or humble request.

Usage:

"Beseech" is typically used in formal or literary contexts. It conveys a sense of urgency and desperation, and is often employed in situations where the speaker feels they are asking for a great deal.

Example:

• "I beseech you, please don't leave me alone."
• "The defendant beseeched the judge for leniency in sentencing."
• "The lost traveler beseeched the stranger for help."

beseech relate terms

• beseeching

  Etymology Old French beseecher Latin besēcare meaning to entreat implore Proto In

• beseech

  Etymology Old French beseschier Late Latin besecius Medieval Latin besechius V

• seek

  Etymology From Middle English seken sekyn from Old English sēčan sēcian from Pro

• beseech

  Etymology Old French beseschier Late Latin besecius Medieval Latin besechius V

• sought

  Etymology Old English sohte from Proto Germanic sōhtijaną meaning to seek R

• entreat

  Etymology Middle English entreter from Old French entreter entraiter from Medieval

• adjure

  Etymology Old French ajorer Latin adjurare Proto Indo European ad dʰeh₁ dʰeh

• suppliant

  Etymology Late Middle English from Middle French suppliant present participle of supp

• adore

  Etymology French adorer to adore worship 12th century from Latin adorare to ador

• oracle

  Etymology The word oracle derives from the Latin term oraculum which in turn comes f

• petition

  Etymology The word petition comes from the Old French word petition which in turn co

• press

  Etymology The word press originates from the Old French word presse which in turn c

• conjure

  Etymology Latin conjuro meaning to swear to bind by oath Proto Indo European root

• pedal

  Etymology The word pedal comes from the Latin word pedalis which means of the foot