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Intercede: meaning, definitions and examples

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intercede

 

[ ˌɪntərˈsiːd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

legal

To intervene on behalf of another, especially in a legal context.

Synonyms

advocate, intervene, mediate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intercede

Intercede is used when someone steps in to speak on behalf of someone else, typically to help or get them out of trouble.

  • She will intercede with the teachers to allow you to retake the exam.
  • He interceded in the argument to prevent a fight.
mediate

Mediate is used when someone helps two or more parties to reach a resolution or agreement in a dispute.

  • The lawyer was called in to mediate the property dispute.
  • She mediated between the conflicting parties to find a compromise.
intervene

Intervene is used when someone gets involved in a situation to alter the outcome, usually to stop something bad from happening.

  • The police had to intervene in the fight.
  • Parents often intervene when children cannot resolve their disputes.
advocate

Advocate is used when someone supports or recommends a cause or policy publicly. It usually involves arguing in favor of something.

  • She is an advocate for environmental conservation.
  • He advocates for better healthcare policies.

Examples of usage

  • He interceded with the judge on behalf of his client.
  • The lawyer interceded to prevent the unfair treatment of the defendant.
Context #2 | Verb

religious

To act as an intermediary between God and humanity, especially in prayer.

Synonyms

intervene, mediate, pray.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intercede

Used when someone steps in to help or speak on behalf of another person, often to solve a problem or argue on their behalf.

  • She interceded with her boss to get her friend a job.
  • He tried to intercede in the argument to calm things down.
pray

Commonly used in a religious context, referring to communicating with a deity or higher power, often asking for help, guidance, or giving thanks.

  • She went to the chapel to pray for her family's well-being.
  • He prays every night before going to bed.
intervene

Often implies stepping into a situation, usually to prevent a problem or to settle a conflict. It can have a slightly formal tone.

  • The teacher had to intervene when the students started fighting.
  • The government decided to intervene in the economic crisis.
mediate

Used when someone is acting as a neutral party to help two conflicting sides come to an agreement. Often used in formal situations such as legal or business disputes.

  • A professional mediator was brought in to mediate the negotiations.
  • She mediated the discussion between her two friends to help them resolve their differences.

Examples of usage

  • The priest interceded for the congregation in times of need.
  • She interceded with the divine for forgiveness.

Translations

Translations of the word "intercede" in other languages:

🇵🇹 interceder

🇮🇳 मध्यस्थता करना

🇩🇪 vermitteln

🇮🇩 menengahi

🇺🇦 втручатися

🇵🇱 wstawiać się

🇯🇵 仲裁する (ちゅうさいする)

🇫🇷 intercéder

🇪🇸 interceder

🇹🇷 araya girmek

🇰🇷 중재하다 (중재하다)

🇸🇦 يتوسط

🇨🇿 přimlouvat se

🇸🇰 zasahovať

🇨🇳 调解 (tiáojiě)

🇸🇮 posredovati

🇮🇸 ganga í milli

🇰🇿 араласу

🇬🇪 შუამდგომლობა

🇦🇿 araya girmək

🇲🇽 interceder

Etymology

The word 'intercede' originated from the Latin word 'intercedere', which means 'to go between'. It was first used in the 16th century. The concept of interceding has been present in various cultures and religions throughout history, often associated with mediation, prayer, and advocacy.

See also: accede, antecedent, recede.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,815, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.