To beg or plead earnestly with deep emotional intensity.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To ask for something with great intensity.
- Often used when someone is in distress.
- Implies a humble or desperate posture.
Aperçu
Le verbe 'supplier' exprime une demande très forte, dépassant la simple requête. Il implique une émotion intense, souvent liée à un sentiment d'impuissance, de désespoir ou d'adoration. Contrairement à 'demander' qui est neutre, 'supplier' place le locuteur dans une position de vulnérabilité.
Modèles d'utilisation
Il est généralement suivi d'un complément d'objet direct (une personne) ou d'une proposition subordonnée introduite par 'de' (supplier quelqu'un de faire quelque chose). Il est souvent utilisé à l'impératif ou au conditionnel pour marquer la solennité ou l'urgence.
Contextes courants
On le retrouve fréquemment dans la littérature, le théâtre ou les récits dramatiques pour illustrer une scène de supplique. Dans la vie quotidienne, il est utilisé de manière hyperbolique pour insister lourdement, par exemple : 'Je t'en supplie, viens avec moi !'.
Comparaison de mots similaires
'Demander' est le terme général sans connotation émotionnelle. 'Implorer' est très proche de 'supplier' mais souligne davantage le caractère pathétique ou religieux de la demande. 'Prier' peut signifier demander, mais il est souvent plus formel ou lié à la religion.
Examples
Je t'en supplie, ne pars pas.
everydayI beg you, do not leave.
Le prisonnier a supplié le juge de lui accorder la clémence.
formalThe prisoner begged the judge for mercy.
Supplie-le de venir avec nous !
informalBeg him to come with us!
Le peuple suppliait le roi de mettre fin à la famine.
academicThe people were begging the king to end the famine.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Je t'en supplie
I beg you
Supplier à corps et à cris
To beg insistently
Se mettre à supplier
To start begging
Often Confused With
Implorer is more formal and often carries a religious or deeply pathetic tone. Supplier is more direct and action-oriented.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Supplier is a strong verb that conveys vulnerability. In modern French, it is often used in the phrase 'Je t'en supplie' to add emphasis to a request. It is not appropriate for casual or neutral business communication.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'supplier' instead of 'demander' for simple requests. Remember that 'supplier' implies a loss of power or a state of distress. Avoid using it in professional settings unless there is a crisis.
Tips
Use for high emotional impact
Reserve this verb for moments of real desperation or when you really want to emphasize your request. Using it too often for minor things makes it lose its power.
Do not confuse with simple requests
Avoid using 'supplier' in a professional email for a standard request. It sounds overly dramatic and inappropriate for business contexts.
Dramatic literary roots
This word is a staple of French classical tragedy. It carries a weight of humility that reflects historical social hierarchies.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'supplicare', which combines 'sub' (under) and 'placare' (to appease). Historically, it referred to kneeling before someone to appease them.
Cultural Context
The word is frequently used in French literature and cinema to highlight the power dynamic between a vulnerable character and an authority figure. It embodies the concept of 'supplique', a formal written request for mercy.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'supply' of tears someone might have when they are begging. It's a 'super' desperate way to ask for something.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsDemander est une action neutre et courante. Supplier ajoute une dimension émotionnelle forte, impliquant que la personne est prête à tout pour obtenir une réponse.
Oui, dans un langage courant ou familier, on utilise souvent 'je t'en supplie' pour insister sur un petit service, mais c'est une forme d'exagération.
Il est considéré comme soutenu ou dramatique. Il ne s'utilise pas dans le cadre professionnel standard sauf pour exprimer une urgence extrême.
On utilise la structure 'supplier quelqu'un de + verbe à l'infinitif'. Par exemple : 'Il m'a supplié de rester'.
Test Yourself
Elle m'a ___ de lui pardonner.
Le participe passé est nécessaire ici avec l'auxiliaire avoir.
Score: /1
Summary
To beg or plead earnestly with deep emotional intensity.
- To ask for something with great intensity.
- Often used when someone is in distress.
- Implies a humble or desperate posture.
Use for high emotional impact
Reserve this verb for moments of real desperation or when you really want to emphasize your request. Using it too often for minor things makes it lose its power.
Do not confuse with simple requests
Avoid using 'supplier' in a professional email for a standard request. It sounds overly dramatic and inappropriate for business contexts.
Dramatic literary roots
This word is a staple of French classical tragedy. It carries a weight of humility that reflects historical social hierarchies.
Examples
4 of 4Je t'en supplie, ne pars pas.
I beg you, do not leave.
Le prisonnier a supplié le juge de lui accorder la clémence.
The prisoner begged the judge for mercy.
Supplie-le de venir avec nous !
Beg him to come with us!
Le peuple suppliait le roi de mettre fin à la famine.
The people were begging the king to end the famine.
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agnostique
A1Believing that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God.
Aïd
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âme
B1The spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal, believed to continue after death.
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A1A spiritual being believed to act as an attendant, agent, or messenger of God.
angélique
A1Of or relating to angels; resembling an angel, especially in purity or beauty.
apostolique
A1Relating to the apostles or the early Christian Church.
apôtre
B2Each of the twelve chief disciples of Jesus Christ.
