Entreat vs. Plea

Attribute	Entreat	Plea
Definition	To ask earnestly or beseech	A formal request made in court
Tone	More polite and respectful	Can be more desperate or urgent
Formality	Can be formal or informal	Usually formal
Usage	Can be used in various contexts	Primarily used in legal or formal settings

Definition

Entreat and plea are both verbs that involve asking someone for something. However, there are subtle differences in their meanings. Entreat typically implies a more earnest or urgent request, often with a sense of desperation or pleading. On the other hand, plea is generally a more formal request, often made in a legal or official context.

Usage

Entreat is often used in situations where the speaker is asking for something with a sense of urgency or desperation. For example, one might entreat a friend to forgive them for a mistake they made. Plea, on the other hand, is commonly used in legal settings, such as when a defendant enters a plea of guilty or not guilty in court.

Emotional Tone

One key difference between entreat and plea is the emotional tone they convey. Entreat tends to evoke emotions such as desperation, urgency, or earnestness. When someone entreats another person, they are often appealing to their emotions or sense of compassion. Plea, on the other hand, is more neutral in tone and is typically used in a formal or legal context.

Formality

Entreat is generally considered to be less formal than plea. Entreatments are often made in personal or informal settings, such as between friends or family members. Pleas, on the other hand, are typically made in more formal situations, such as in a court of law or when making a formal request to an authority figure.

Connotation

Entreat and plea also have different connotations. Entreat can imply a sense of humility or vulnerability, as the person making the entreaty is often asking for help or mercy. Plea, on the other hand, can carry connotations of legality or officialdom, as it is often used in legal or formal contexts where rules and regulations are involved.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between entreat and plea:

• She entreated her boss for a second chance to prove herself.
• The defendant entered a plea of not guilty in court.
• He pleaded with his parents to let him go to the concert.
• The lawyer made a passionate plea for leniency in sentencing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while entreat and plea are both verbs that involve asking for something, they have distinct differences in meaning, emotional tone, formality, and connotation. Entreat is often used in personal or informal settings to convey a sense of urgency or desperation, while plea is more commonly used in legal or formal contexts. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right word for the situation in which you find yourself needing to make a request.