ENGLISH
REFERENCE

begs

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈbɛɡz// UK //bˈɛɡz// begs

v. to ask for something in a very urgent or serious way. You use this when you need help or an answer badly.

v. to make an earnest or urgent request for something. Typically used with the preposition 'for' or followed by a 'that'-clause.


SIMPLE

He begs for help from his friends.

CONTEXTUAL

The charity appeals to donors and begs for funds to keep the shelter open.

COMPLEX

The defendant begs the court to consider his youth and lack of prior record before passing sentence.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive when followed by a direct object ('beg forgiveness') or intransitive with 'for' ('beg for mercy').

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