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What is the noun form of the word "implore"?

I saw some suggestions online for "imploration", but this seems awkward to me.

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3  
Imploration is correct. Sounding awkward doesn't trump the fact that that is the only noun form given in dictionaries. – Daniel δ Apr 23 '12 at 15:03
4  
Maybe just "imploring". Her imploring did not convince her father to relax her curfew. – GEdgar Apr 23 '12 at 15:07
@GEdgar - imploring is not a noun, but adv. How about "Her adjuration did not convince ..." – Carlo_R. Apr 23 '12 at 15:11
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Imploring is a gerund; can behave much like a noun. – Kris Apr 23 '12 at 15:56
"Plea" can be used in all these contexts and has the advantage of being understood. Take a look at JeffSahol's answer, below. – Mark Beadles Apr 23 '12 at 18:28

2 Answers

up vote 11 down vote accepted

I would use plea, rather than trying to gerundize it.

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This is the right choice, I think. – Mark Beadles Apr 23 '12 at 18:49
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The OED has an entry for imploration, but if you don't like it, the -ing form of the verb, imploring may be possible in some contexts.

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Yes, imploration is the noun form, although that word doesn't seem to be in vogue these days. – J.R. Apr 23 '12 at 15:57
Which is to say the "-ing" form can be a gerund, not just an adv., so that it can be used in a place where a noun is required, right? – Kris Apr 23 '12 at 16:02
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@Kris: The '-ing' form of a verb can, depending on the verb, be a noun, an adjective or a verb. 'Imploring', for example, is a noun in the sentence 'All my imploring was useless'. – Barrie England Apr 23 '12 at 16:24
True. However, per Carlo the OAD defines it only as an adj., so he'd suggest it cannot be a noun. (see answer by Carlo) – Kris Apr 23 '12 at 16:40
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@Kris: The noun 'imploring' has its own entry in the OED where it is defined as 'Supplication, beseeching'. – Barrie England Apr 23 '12 at 16:55
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