What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
besought
Example
He besought his parents to let him go to the party. [besought: past tense verb]
Example
The villagers besought the king for mercy. [besought: past tense verb]
entreat
Example
She entreated her friend to forgive her for the mistake. [entreated: past tense verb]
Example
The child entreated his parents to buy him a toy. [entreated: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Entreat is more commonly used than besought in everyday language. Entreat is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while besought is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between besought and entreat?
While besought is typically associated with a formal and literary tone, entreat can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be employed in a wider range of situations.