verb

beg

BEG/beɡ/

To ask earnestly for something needed or wanted.

The thirsty man begs another traveler to share his water.

An older man urgently pleads for water from another man, clasping his hands toward the visibly held water bottle; his imploring face and forward lean make the request the central action.

Etymology

Beg has an uncertain origin, but its recorded meaning developed from asking for alms to asking for favors and making courteous requests. That widening connects it with humble appeals more generally.

In context

Royal Tales88:17

I beg her highness, the consort, to have pity on my infatuation.

I Was Ruined and Reborn in Shame, So I Used My Infamy to Rise and Make a Prince Marry Me

More examples

She begged him to reconsider the decision.
A man stood near the station begging for food.
The children beg for one more story before bed.

Forms

beg · begs · begged · begging

Similar words

plead: Emphasizes an earnest appeal rather than asking for charity.
implore: Suggests particularly urgent or emotional pleading.