entreaty
UK: ɪnˈtriːti | US: ɪnˈtriːti
n. a serious or earnest request or plea
n. an act of asking for something humbly or desperately
The word "entreaty" originates from Middle English entreaten, derived from Old French entraitier (to treat, negotiate). The prefix en- (in, into) combines with treat (from Latin tractare, to handle or manage), forming a sense of "handling a matter earnestly." The suffix -y nominalizes the action, turning it into "a plea." Over time, the meaning narrowed to emphasize humble or desperate requests, reflecting the intensity of negotiation.
She ignored his entreaty for forgiveness.
The refugees’ entreaties for aid moved the volunteers.
He made a final entreaty to the judge for leniency.
Their entreaty was met with cold indifference.
The letter contained an entreaty to reconsider the decision.