Pleaded: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• '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.

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.

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

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