What does imploringly mean?
Imploringly is an adverb meaning in an earnest, pleading, or emotionally urgent manner. It describes speech, gestures, expressions, or actions that seek help, mercy, forgiveness, or reconsideration. A person may look imploringly, speak imploringly, or reach for something imploringly, and the word suggests both strong feeling and a dependence on someone else's response. The adverb is derived from the verb implore, which means to ask or beg urgently. It is more emotionally charged than simply asking and is often used when the requester is distressed, frightened, or facing a difficult situation. The form is appropriate in descriptive prose, reporting, and dialogue, though its intensity can make it unsuitable for routine or neutral requests.
adverbIn an imploring manner; with earnest pleading or entreaty.
- In an imploring manner; with earnest pleading, entreaty, or supplication.
"She looked at him imploringly, begging him to stay."
"The child reached for her mother's hand imploringly."
"He spoke imploringly, trying to persuade the officials to reconsider."
Imploringly captures the particular urgency of asking someone for help while revealing a willingness to be refused.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imploringly come from?
Imploringly comes from the verb implore, which in turn is related to the Latin word implorare, meaning to call upon, entreat, or appeal to. The word entered English in the early 17th century in the sense of making an urgent appeal. The later form imploring came to mean begging or pleading, and the adverb imploringly developed to describe an action performed in that manner.
Related word forms
How imploringly is actually used
This adverb describes a manner of speaking, looking, or acting that is eager, emotional, and pleading. It often implies that the person making the appeal is in distress or dependent on the listener's goodwill.