Beggingly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a fashion that conveys an intense plea for help or favor
2. In a way that demonstrates a heartfelt appeal or urgent request
3. Expressing a strong or earnest request with great urgency

Etymology: "Beggingly" is a simple formation: the adjective-forming participle "begging" (from "beg") with the adverbial suffix "-ly" attached, meaning in the manner of someone who is begging. The base verb "beg" has an uncertain origin, and the adverb itself is a transparent construction that English speakers could build from the verb at will. The suffix does most of the work here. "-ly" turns an adjective or participial form into an adverb describing how an action is done, so "beggingly" describes a request made with the pleading, insistent quality of a beggar. It follows the same pattern as "pleadingly" or "imploringly," and it attaches to a participle that already carried the sense of asking earnestly. Because the word is built directly from its parts, there is no dramatic shift in meaning to trace. Its sense follows straightforwardly from "begging," which keeps the idea of asking for something with urgency.

Synonyms: imploringly, pleadingly, entreatingly

Antonyms: dismissively, indifferently