prithee
Definition
Interjection (archaic): A polite expression meaning "please" or "I pray thee," used to make a request or appeal. It is a contraction of "I pray thee" (I ask you).
Usage Examples
- (Please, show me the path to the marketplace.)
- (I ask you kindly to hear my sad story.)
- (Please do not abandon me during this difficult time.)
Advanced Usage
"Prithee, speak": a formal entreaty for someone to talk.
- Prithee, speak of what troubles your heart. (I beg you, share the concerns that weigh on your mind.)
"Tell me prithee": a common phrase meaning "please tell me."
- Tell me prithee, what news from the court? (Please inform me of the latest news from the royal court.)
Variants and Related Words
Pray thee (phrase): an older, fuller form meaning "I ask you."
- I pray thee, grant me this one favour. (I beg you to do me this kindness.)
Prithee has no modern verb or noun forms; it is used only as an interjection.
Synonyms
Please: a common modern polite request word.
- Please, pass the salt. (A polite request for the salt.)
I beseech you: a more formal and earnest plea.
- I beseech you, hear my plea. (I urgently beg you to listen.)
Pray: an archaic synonym meaning "please" or "ask."
- Pray, tell me the truth. (Please, speak honestly.)
Related Idioms
"I prithee": a redundant but emphatic form used in older texts.
- I prithee, stay a while longer. (I earnestly ask you to remain for some time.)
"By your leave, prithee": a very formal request for permission.
- By your leave, prithee, may I enter? (With your permission, may I come in?)