entreat
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɪnˈtrit/
KK: /ɪnˈtrit/
intransitive verb
Definition
To make a serious and heartfelt request for something.
Example
She went to the king to entreat his help in the matter.
Tense Forms
Past: entreated
Past Participle: entreated
Conversation
I really need your help with this project.
Of course! What do you need me to do?
I would entreat you to review my ideas and give feedback.
Absolutely! I’ll help you out as much as I can.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
beseech
implore
plead
Antonyms
refuse
deny
reject
transitive verb
Definition
To ask someone earnestly or seriously for something; to request something with great urgency.
Example
She went to the king to entreat his help in the matter.
Tense Forms
Past: entreated
Past Participle: entreated
Conversation
I really need your help with something important.
Sure, what do you need?
I want to entreat the manager for a few extra days off.
Root Explanation
Entreat is formed from "en-" (meaning to cause to be in) and "treat" (from Latin "tractare", meaning to handle or deal with). The word means to cause someone to handle or deal with a request earnestly or urgently.
Memory Tip
Think of 'causing someone to deal with' a request earnestly — that's what entreat means.
Visually Confused Words
retreat
intreat
estreat
treat
rentrant
pretreat
intereat
enturret