What does entreatingly mean?
Entreatingly is an adverb meaning in a manner that pleads, begs, or implores. It describes how something is said, done, or expressed when a person earnestly seeks help, mercy, permission, or affection from another. A character might whisper entreatingly, clasp their hands entreatingly, or fix someone with an entreating look — the word conveys urgency mixed with humility and vulnerability, since the speaker places themselves at the mercy of the listener's goodwill. Derived from the verb entreat, which entered English via Anglo-French from Latin 'tractare' (to handle, treat), it belongs to the same family as treat, entreaty, and entreatment. The word carries a literary, slightly formal flavour: it appears far more often in novels and historical narrative than in everyday conversation, where speakers would more likely say pleadingly or beg. Its emotional charge — anxious, heartfelt supplication — makes it a favourite of writers dramatizing moments of desperation or tender appeal.
adverbIn a manner that earnestly and anxiously begs or pleads for something; with an imploring quality of voice, look, or gesture.
- In an imploring or beseeching manner; so as to plead or beg earnestly.
""Please stay," she said entreatingly, her hands clasped tight."
""Don't go," he said entreatingly, reaching for her hand."
"The dog gazed entreatingly at the dinner table, tail sweeping the floor."
When you speak entreatingly, your very voice becomes a plea — the word descends from Latin 'tractare', to drag about, as if begging pulls at someone until they give in.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of entreatingly
Entreatingly derives from the verb entreat, formed in Middle English from Anglo-French 'entraiter', composed of the intensive prefix en- plus 'traiter' (to treat), ultimately from Latin 'tractare', meaning to handle or manage. The adverb was formed with the suffix -ly and has been used since roughly the sixteenth century to describe pleading speech or gestures. It shares its root with treat, entreaty, and related words such as treatise.
Related word forms
How entreatingly is actually used
Literary and somewhat formal register; most often found in narrative fiction to describe a character's tone, glance, or gesture. It typically modifies verbs of speaking (say, ask, murmur) or looking (gaze, look).
Easily confused with entreatingly
Entrancingly means in a captivating or enchanting way, while entreatingly means in a pleading, begging manner.