Urged – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “urged” is primarily used as a verb. It means to strongly encourage or persuade someone to do something. Derived from the base form “urge,” it typically conveys a sense of pressing insistence, often with an emotional undertone. As a past participle, “urged” can also be utilized in passive constructions and certain participial phrases.
Core Synonyms
Here is a table highlighting some main synonyms for “urged,” along with brief definitions, example sentences, and the style or register each fits best:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Encouraged | To inspire confidence or support someone’s action, less pressing than “urged.” | She was encouraged by her friends to apply for the job. | Informal/Formal |
| Implored | To beg urgently and earnestly, often with emotional weight. | He implored his parents to let him travel alone. | Formal |
| Pleaded | To make a passionate appeal or request, usually in a supplicating manner. | She pleaded with the judge for leniency. | Legal/Academic |
| Cajoled | To persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery. | He was cajoled into attending the party after much persuasion. | Casual |
| Convinced | To persuade firmly, often with logical reasoning rather than emotional appeal. | After presenting all the facts, she convinced him to change his mind. | Academic/Business |
| Beseeched | To ask someone urgently and fervently to do something; similar to implore. | The community beseeched the council for more support. | Formal |
Usage Notes
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Encouraged: This synonym is versatile, fitting well in both informal contexts (e.g., encouraging a friend) and formal settings (e.g., encouraging employees). It implies support without the urgency or emotional intensity found in “urged.”
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Implored and Beseeched: Both carry strong emotional undertones, often used in serious or dramatic scenarios. They are fitting for formal writing like legal documents or persuasive speeches.
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Pleaded: Typically seen in legal contexts but also applicable to any situation where there’s a heartfelt request involved. It’s less about reasoning and more about emotional appeal.
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Cajoled: Suitable for casual settings where persuasion involves gentle coaxing rather than direct urging. It often implies the use of charm or flattery.
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Convinced: This is more logical in its approach, appropriate for academic writing or business meetings. Here, rational arguments outweigh emotional appeals.
Common Pitfalls
One common mistake is using “urged” interchangeably with synonyms like “asked” or “requested,” which lack the intensity of urgency and persuasion inherent to “urge.” Another pitfall is confusing “implied” with “implored”—the former suggests indirect communication, whereas the latter involves a direct, earnest plea.
Final Recap
The verb “urged” implies strong encouragement or insistence, often emotionally charged. Synonyms like “encouraged,” “implored,” and “convinced” each carry unique nuances—ranging from emotional intensity to logical persuasion—that can be leveraged in various contexts such as formal writing, business communication, or casual speech.
To effectively expand your vocabulary and enhance expression, try using these synonyms in different scenarios. Practice crafting sentences with each synonym to grasp their subtle differences and improve contextual understanding. Experimenting with these words in conversation will also bolster confidence and precision in language use.