Begging vs. Pleading: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Published on November 24, 2023
"Begging" is asking for something with desperation or humility, while "pleading" is making an earnest appeal or argument.
Key Differences
Begging often carries a sense of desperation and humility, while pleading is an earnest and often emotional appeal or argument.
Begging is often used in the context of asking for charity or help, while pleading is often used in legal or serious personal contexts, like pleading for mercy or pleading a case in court.
Begging can sometimes have a negative connotation, as it may imply a lack of pride or self-respect. Pleading, on the other hand, often has a more neutral or even positive connotation, as it implies a strong desire or need.
Both words can be used as nouns or verbs, but they have different derivatives and related forms. For example, "beg" can be used as a verb, while "plead" can be used as a verb or a noun ("plea").
Comparison Chart
Intensity
Desperation and humility
Earnest appeal or argument
ADVERTISEMENT
Context
Asking for charity or help
Legal or serious personal contexts
Connotation
Negative or lacking self-respect
Neutral or positive
Forms
Noun or verb, with "beg" as a verb
Noun or verb, with "plea" as a noun
Examples
Begging for money on the street
Pleading for mercy in court
Begging and Pleading Definitions
Begging
Asking for something with desperation.
He was begging for another chance.
ADVERTISEMENT
Pleading
Asking for something with urgency.
He was pleading for help.
Begging
Acting with humility in a request.
He was begging for her attention.
Pleading
Requesting mercy or leniency.
She was pleading for forgiveness.
Begging
Soliciting or seeking earnestly.
They were begging for support.
Pleading
Making an earnest appeal or argument.
She was pleading for understanding.
Begging
Imploring or beseeching.
She was begging for forgiveness.
Pleading
Presenting a case in court.
The lawyer was pleading his client's innocence.
Begging
Asking for charity or help.
The man was begging on the street.
Pleading
Asserting a fact or position with conviction.
The scientist was pleading the importance of her research.
Begging
To ask (someone) for something in an urgent or humble manner
Begged me for help.
Begged me to give him the phone number.
Pleading
A plea; an entreaty.
Begging
To ask for (something) in an urgent or humble manner
Beg someone's forgiveness.
Beg a favor.
Pleading
(Law) A formal statement, usually written, setting forth the cause of action or the defense of a party to a lawsuit.
FAQs
What does "begging" mean?
"Begging" is asking for something with desperation or humility.
Can "pleading" be used to describe an action?
Yes, "pleading" can be used to describe an action of making an earnest appeal or argument.
What is the opposite of "begging"?
The opposite of "begging" is "refusing" or "declining."
Is "begging" a transitive or intransitive verb?
"Beg" can be both a transitive and intransitive verb.
What are some synonyms for "pleading"?
Some synonyms for "pleading" include "appealing," "entreaty," and "petition."
Can "begging" be used to describe an action?
Yes, "begging" can be used to describe an action of asking for something with desperation or humility.
What is the past participle of "pleading"?
"Pleading" is a noun or a verb form, and the past participle of "plead" is "pleaded" or "pled."
What is the verb form of "pleading"?
The verb form of "pleading" is "plead."
Is "pleading" a transitive or intransitive verb?
"Plead" can be both a transitive and intransitive verb.
Can "begging" be used as a noun?
Yes, "begging" can be used as a noun to refer to the act of asking for something with desperation or humility.
Can "pleading" be used as a noun?
Yes, "pleading" can be used as a noun to refer to the act of making an earnest appeal or argument.
What is begging for charity?
Begging for charity is asking for help or support from others.
What is pleading in court?
Pleading in court is presenting a case or argument to a judge or jury.
How do you use "begging" in a sentence?
"He was begging for another chance."
What does "pleading" mean?
"Pleading" is making an earnest appeal or argument.
What is the opposite of "pleading"?
The opposite of "pleading" is "dismissing" or "rejecting."
What are some synonyms for "begging"?
Some synonyms for "begging" include "imploring," "beseeching," and "soliciting."
What is the past participle of "begging"?
"Begging" is a noun or a verb form, and the past participle of "beg" is "begged."
What is the verb form of "begging"?
The verb form of "begging" is "beg."
How do you use "pleading" in a sentence?
"She was pleading for understanding."
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
