Pleaded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pleaded

[หˆpliหdษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

Pleaded is the past tense of plead, which means to make an emotional appeal or request. In a legal context, it refers to the act of presenting one's case in court, often in relation to a charge or accusation. For instance, a defendant may plead guilty or not guilty to a crime. The term also encompasses the idea of begging or earnestly requesting something. Overall, it can imply a sense of urgency or desperation in seeking a favorable outcome.

Synonyms

adjured, begged, implored, requested, solicited.

Examples of usage

  • He pleaded guilty to the charges.
  • She pleaded with the judge for leniency.
  • The lawyer pleaded their case effectively.
  • He pleaded for mercy.
  • They pleaded for help during the emergency.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • The act of pleading can invoke feelings of desperation or vulnerability, often revealing a person's emotional state.
  • Research shows that people who plead for forgiveness or help often experience stress relief after expressing their need.
  • Pleading can be a powerful social tool, affecting how people perceive and respond to someone's request.

Pop Culture

  • In many popular movies, characters plead for mercy during high-stakes moments, showcasing their vulnerability.
  • Songs and poems often feature the act of pleading as a theme of love, loss, or desperation, highlighting deep emotions.
  • Classic literature frequently portrays victims pleading for justice or understanding, amplifying their dramatic arcs.

Legal Context

  • In the court system, a person may plead guilty or not guilty to the charges against them, impacting the trial's direction.
  • Some legal systems allow a 'plea bargain', where a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.
  • The concept of pleading plays a crucial role in legal documentation, where individuals formally express their claims or defenses.

Literature

  • Authors use pleading as a literary device to convey urgency and evoke empathy in readers.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often plead for love or vengeance, creating tension and drama.
  • Pleading serves as a motif in many tragic stories, illustrating moments of desperation that resonate with audiences.

Origin of 'pleaded'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Pleaded' comes from the Old English word 'pleidan', which means to 'sue or beseech'.
  • The word 'plead' has been used since the 14th century to describe both legal and personal requests.
  • Associated with law, 'pleaded' often refers to formal statements made by defendants.

The word 'plead' comes from the Old English 'pledan', meaning to present a plea or lawsuit, and has roots in the Proto-Germanic '*pleidล' meaning to lead forth. It evolved through Middle English as 'pleden', evolving its meaning over time to include emotional appeals and formal legal contexts. The use of 'plead' in legal terminology can be traced back to medieval English courts, where defendants would plead their cases before judges. This term signifies not only the act of making a formal accusation or defense but also encompasses the emotional aspect of making a sincere request. The evolution of the word reflects changes in the legal system and cultural norms surrounding appeal and justice.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,677 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.