Implored
/ɪmˈplɔːrd/
verbB2past tense
Definition
To implore is to ask someone for help, a favor, or something important with deep feeling and urgency. It shows strong need or desperation, more than just a normal request. People implore when they want something very badly and hope the other person will listen and help.
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See It in Action
To ask for something with strong emotion and urgency
- •She implored him to stay and not leave her alone.
- •The villagers implored the leader to help them during the crisis.
- •He implored the judge for mercy in the court.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'implored' like 'asked,' but much stronger and more emotional—like you really need the answer or help now
- ✓Picture someone on their knees, hands together, begging seriously for help or mercy
- ✓It's the feeling when you really hope someone will say yes because you are worried or desperate
- ✓Sounds like 'im-PLOR-ed' → imagine a loud, serious call for help that echoes and can't be ignored
- ✓Think of a character in a movie begging a friend not to leave or a child asking a parent for something very important
- ✓NOT like 'asked' (calm or casual), 'implored' is urgent and emotional
- ✓NOT like 'demanded' (forceful and sometimes angry), 'implored' is more about hope and need, not anger
- ✓NOT like 'suggested' (soft and polite), 'implored' is strong and serious
Try Other Words
- •Begged: asked strongly with sadness or need (Use when showing more emotional weakness or sadness)
- •Pleaded: asked earnestly and seriously (Use when the situation is serious and emotional)
- •Beseeched: asked urgently and with great feeling (Use in formal or poetic contexts)
- •Requested: asked politely (Use when the asking is polite and less emotional)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix 'im-' (in, into) + root 'plore' (from Latin 'plorare' meaning to cry out or lament) + suffix '-ed' (past tense)
- •Etymology: From Latin 'implorare,' meaning to call upon or beg earnestly
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 1400s to mean begging or asking with strong emotion
- •Modern usage: Used mostly to show strong, serious asking in spoken and written English, often in emotional or urgent situations
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you implored someone for help? How did it feel to ask so strongly?
•Why do you think people use 'implore' instead of just 'ask' in serious situations? What effect does it have on the listener?
Fill in the blanks
1.She implored him ___ stay because she was very ___.
2.When the situation became dangerous, the people implored the government ___ action quickly.
3.Unlike a simple request, to implore someone shows a ___ level of need and emotion.
4.He implored ___ forgiveness after realizing his mistake.
5.The child implored ___ a new toy with tears in their eyes.
6.They implored ___ help, hoping someone would listen and respond.
7.When someone implores, it often means they feel ___ or desperate.