The term ASKED EARNESTLY can be broken down into two crossword solutions, PLED and PLEADED. PLED is a 4 letter word meaning to make a solemn promise or agreement to do something. PLEADED is a 7 letter word meaning to make an earnest request or entreaty. Both words are related to the idea of asking earnestly, with PLED being a more formal and binding agreement, while PLEADED is a more informal and less binding request.