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Plead: meaning, definitions and examples

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plead

 

[pliːd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in court

To make an emotional appeal; to beg; to ask earnestly.

Synonyms

beg, beseech, implore.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plead

Used in both formal and informal situations. Often in legal settings or when making a serious request. It suggests a strong need but not necessarily desperation.

  • She pleaded with the judge for leniency
  • He pleaded for another chance to prove himself
beg

Informal and often used when someone is in desperate need. It implies a sense of vulnerability or helplessness.

  • He begged for forgiveness after the mistake
  • The child begged for a new toy
implore

Fits both formal and informal contexts. Generally conveys urgent and sincere emotion, similar to plead but with more emphasis on the urgency.

  • They implored the authorities to save their homes
  • She implored him to stay with her
beseech

More formal and old-fashioned. Often used in literature or dramatic situations. It expresses earnest and deep concern.

  • I beseech you to reconsider your decision
  • The villagers beseeched the king for help during the drought

Examples of usage

  • He pleaded with the judge for mercy.
  • She pleaded guilty to the charges against her.
Context #2 | Verb

law

To present a case in a court of law; to defend or accuse.

Synonyms

advocate, argue, defend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plead

Used mostly in legal settings and situations where someone is making an emotional or urgent request.

  • The defendant decided to plead guilty to the charges.
  • She pleaded with her friend to stay a bit longer.
argue

Typically involves presenting reasons or evidence to support or oppose a point of view, can be used in both formal debates and everyday disagreements.

  • They argue about politics all the time.
  • The lawyer argued that his client was innocent.
advocate

Appropriate when discussing support for a particular cause or policy, often in professional or formal settings.

  • She advocates for human rights in her community.
  • The organization advocates for better working conditions.
defend

Used when protecting someone or something from attack or criticism, often in legal or competitive situations.

  • She defended her actions during the meeting.
  • The attorney defended his client vigorously in court.

Examples of usage

  • The lawyer pleaded his case convincingly.
  • The prosecutor pleaded for a harsher sentence.
Context #3 | Noun

law

A formal statement made by a defendant in a criminal case, declaring guilt or innocence.

Synonyms

assertion, declaration, statement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plead

Used in legal scenarios or when someone is making an emotional or urgent request.

  • He will plead not guilty in court
  • She pleaded for help
declaration

Often used in formal contexts when something is being officially announced or proclaimed.

  • The mayor made a declaration of emergency
  • The declaration of independence was signed in 1776
statement

Used in general contexts when providing information or expressing thoughts clearly and directly.

  • The company released a statement about the new policy
  • Her statement clearly outlined the plan
assertion

Typically applies when someone confidently states something as a fact.

  • Her assertion that the earth is round was backed by scientific evidence
  • His assertion about the system's security was convincing

Examples of usage

  • The defendant entered a plea of not guilty.
  • She changed her plea to guilty at the last minute.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word has roots in Old English, ‘pleidan’, which meant to ‘plead’ or ‘to place a plea’.
  • It traces further back to the Latin ‘placitare’, meaning to make a legal or formal request.
  • Over centuries, the meaning expanded beyond legal contexts to include heartfelt requests in everyday life.

Law

  • In a courtroom, to plead can mean to formally state whether you are guilty or not guilty.
  • Different types of pleas exist, such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest, each affecting the course of a trial.
  • The concept of pleading has been central in legal proceedings since ancient times, showing its longstanding importance in justice.

Psychology

  • Pleading can be viewed as a way to express vulnerability, often invoking empathy from others.
  • When people plead, they tap into emotional appeals, which can significantly influence decisions and reactions.
  • The effectiveness of pleading often depends on the emotional connection between the person pleading and the listener.

Literature

  • Pleading often appears in storytelling, where characters use it to show desperation or deep desire.
  • Classic literature frequently explores themes of pleading, emphasizing human emotions and interactions.
  • Shakespeare’s plays often depict characters pleading, revealing the dramatic weight of their requests or confessions.

Pop Culture

  • Pleading is a common theme in movies and television, illustrating moments of high emotional stakes, like in a courtroom scene.
  • Many songs feature themes of pleading, capturing the raw emotion of wanting someone or something back.
  • In memes and social media, the image of pleading has become a humorous way to express exaggerated desire or need.

Translations

Translations of the word "plead" in other languages:

🇵🇹 implorar

🇮🇳 विनती करना

🇩🇪 bitten

🇮🇩 memohon

🇺🇦 благати

🇵🇱 błagać

🇯🇵 懇願する

🇫🇷 implorer

🇪🇸 suplicar

🇹🇷 yalvarmak

🇰🇷 간청하다

🇸🇦 يتوسل

🇨🇿 prosit

🇸🇰 prosiť

🇨🇳 恳求

🇸🇮 prosil

🇮🇸 biðja

🇰🇿 жалынышты

🇬🇪 თხოვნა

🇦🇿 yalvarmaq

🇲🇽 suplicar

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,950 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.