What is beseech? Pronunciation and usage in English

beseech means . Learn how to pronounce and use beseech through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of beseech

beseechverb

/bɪˈsiːtʃ//bɪˈsiːtʃ/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "beseech." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcriptions and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

ˈbiː.siː.tʃ

2. Breakdown and Pronunciation:

  • ˈbiː - This is the first syllable. "Bi-" sounds like the "bee" in "bee" (a short, buzzing sound). The "ˈ" symbol indicates that this syllable is stressed.
  • siː - This is the second syllable. “Si-” sounds like the "see" in "see." Again, a short “ee” sound.
  • tʃ - This is the last syllable. This is a "tch" sound, like in "church" or "catch." It’s a soft, quick sound.

3. Putting it Together - A Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Start with a clear "bee" sound: “Bee” (like in “bee”)
  2. Add a quick "see" sound: "See"
  3. Finish with a “tch” sound: “Church” (quick and contained)

4. Tips for getting it right:

  • Emphasis: The stress is on the first syllable – “bee.”
  • Don’t over-elongate: Each syllable should be relatively brief. This word isn't meant to be drawn out.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced. Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce beseech" on YouTube and you'll find several audio examples from native speakers.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/beseech/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers around the world.

In summary, aim for: ˈbiː.siː.tʃ (bee-see-tch)

Would you like me to:

  • Record an audio example (though I can't actually speak – I can type out the sounds)?
  • Give you some example sentences using "beseech"?

Usage and examples with the word beseech in English

Let's break down how to use the word "beseech." It's a powerful and somewhat formal word, so it's important to use it correctly.

1. Meaning:

"Beseech" means to earnestly implore or beg someone to do something. It’s stronger than simply asking; it conveys a sense of desperation and heartfelt pleading. It suggests you’re really, really hoping for a particular outcome.

2. How it's Used – Grammar & Structure:

  • Verb: "Beseech" is a verb. It’s always followed by an object – the person you're asking.
  • Structure: beseech + (object) + to + (verb) - You’ll often see it in a construction like this.

3. Examples of Usage:

  • Formal and Dramatic: "I beseech you, spare my life!" (This is a classic, often used in literature or when someone is in a dire situation.)
  • Expressing Strong Emotion: "She beseeched her father to let her attend the concert." (This shows she really wanted to go and was pleading with urgency.)
  • Seeking Urgent Help: "The doctor beseeched the nurses to administer the medication immediately." (This conveys a sense of urgency and the importance of the action.)
  • Slightly More Modern, but still formal: “He beseeched her to reconsider her decision.” (This shows a serious and heartfelt request for a change of mind.)

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Implead: (More legalistic)
  • Urge: (A good, versatile synonym)
  • Beg: (More common and less formal than "beseech")
  • Pray: (Often used in a religious context)
  • Entreat: (Similar in formality and intensity)
  • Plead: (Can be used, but "beseech" often has a deeper sense of desperation)

5. When Not to Use It:

“Beseech” isn’t appropriate in casual conversation. It's best suited for:

  • Formal writing: Essays, letters, speeches, legal documents, etc.
  • Literary contexts: Novels, plays – where you want to create a particular emotional atmosphere.
  • Situations where you genuinely want to emphasize the emotion of pleading.

6. Let's look at a few comparisons to show the difference in intensity:

  • Asking: "Could you please close the window?" (Neutral)
  • Requesting: “I request that you close the window.” (More polite, but still fairly neutral)
  • Urging: “I urge you to close the window; it's cold.” (Suggests a reason and some persuasion)
  • Beseeching: “I beseech you, please close the window! I’m freezing!” (Stronger, more desperate plea)

Resources for Further Study:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Help you craft a sentence using "beseech"?
  • Compare it to a similar word in more detail?

Synonyms for the word beseech

Practice with vocabulary beseech

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite repeated failures, the researchers continued to _____ the funding committee for an extension, citing the groundbreaking potential of their ongoing work.
  2. The defense attorney had to _____ the judge for leniency, emphasizing the defendant's clean record and genuine remorse.
  3. The project manager had to _____ the team to adhere strictly to the new safety protocols after the recent incident.
  4. Following the unilateral policy change, several employees decided to _____ clarification and negotiation from human resources.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The desperate villagers had to ____ the relief organizations for food and medical supplies after the devastating flood. A) demand B) beseech C) insist D) command E) plead

  2. Facing imminent deportation, the immigrant decided to ____ the authorities to reconsider his case, citing his deep ties to the community. A) request B) implore C) beseech D) urge

  3. The activist continued to ____ public support for the environmental bill, despite facing strong opposition from industry lobbyists. A) lobby B) implore C) beseech D) champion

  4. To ensure clarity, the manager ____ all team members to read the updated policy document carefully before signing. A) demanded B) urged C) advised D) insisted

  5. The board decided to ____ the CEO to reconsider his resignation, citing his invaluable contributions to the company's growth. A) persuade B) influence C) request D) encourage

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The employees made an urgent and emotional appeal to the management for improved working conditions. (Rewrite using "beseech")

  2. He humbly and desperately begged his family to forgive him for his past mistakes. (Rewrite using "beseech")

  3. The committee strongly suggested that the members consider the ethical implications of their decision. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, not "beseech")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. beseech
  2. beseech
  3. urge
  4. demand

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) beseech, E) plead
  2. B) implore, C) beseech
  3. B) implore, C) beseech
  4. B) urged, C) advised, D) insisted (A is also possible depending on the manager's style, but B, C, D fit the 'ensure clarity' context well.)
  5. A) persuade, C) request, D) encourage (B is also possible, but A, C, D are more direct actions.)

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The employees beseeched the management for improved working conditions.
  2. He beseeched his family for forgiveness for his past mistakes.
  3. The committee urged the members to consider the ethical implications of their decision.

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