verb

flehen

beg

Definition & meaning

The verb flehen describes the act of asking for something in a very urgent, intense, and often humble or desperate manner. It implies a sense of supplication, begging, or pleading.

To implore/beg: Asking someone earnestly for help, mercy, or a favor, often because one is in a state of distress.
To beseech: A more formal or literary way to express the act of begging or praying for something with deep sincerity.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: It is a weak (regular) verb. Its principal parts are: flehen (infinitive), flehte (past), gefleht (past participle). It is usually used with the preposition "um" (e.g., um Verzeihung flehen - to beg for forgiveness).
Origin: The word originates from the Middle High German vlehen, which traces back to the Old High German flēhon. It is historically related to the word flah (flat or prone), suggesting the physical action of prostrating oneself on the ground while begging.