Pleading Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pleading

[ˈpliːdɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal system

the action of making an emotional or earnest appeal to someone

Synonyms

appeal, entreaty, imploring, petition.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pleading	Use when someone is desperately asking for something, often with an emotional tone. She was pleading with him to stay The child's pleading eyes were impossible to ignore
appeal	Use when someone is making a formal request or asking for help in a serious situation. Often used in legal or official contexts. The charity made an appeal for donations He filed an appeal to reduce his prison sentence
entreaty	Use when someone is making an earnest and humble request, often in a solemn or serious tone. His entreaty for mercy was heartfelt The entreaty moved everyone to tears
petition	Use when someone is making a formal written request to an authority, often signed by many people. The community started a petition to improve the local park They submitted a petition for better healthcare facilities
imploring	Use when someone is urgently and emotionally begging for something, often in a dramatic way. She looked at him with imploring eyes They were imploring for help in their time of need

Examples of usage

Her pleading for justice fell on deaf ears.
The lawyer's pleading was compelling and convincing.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

a request made in an urgent and emotional manner

Synonyms

begging, plea, solicitation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pleading	When someone is making an emotional and serious request, usually in a desperate or urgent situation. She was pleading with him to stay.
plea	A formal request often made in a legal context or when asking for help or a favor, typically implying urgency or desperation. He made a plea for mercy.
begging	Used when someone requests something earnestly or desperately, often in a somewhat degrading or humble manner. He was begging for some food.
solicitation	The act of asking for something, often in a formal or professional manner, such as in business or fundraising contexts. Can sometimes have a negative connotation if it feels intrusive. She received a solicitation for donations.

Examples of usage

Her pleading for help touched everyone's heart.
His pleading for forgiveness was sincere and heartfelt.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

informal

expressing sorrow or sadness

Synonyms

beseeching, imploring, supplicating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pleading	Used when someone is desperately begging or asking for something, often in emotional or urgent situations. She was pleading for her life He was pleading with the judge to show mercy
imploring	Indicates desperation and a heartfelt request, often used when someone is in a dire situation and really needs help. Her eyes were imploring him to stay He wrote an imploring letter asking for forgiveness
beseeching	Implies an earnest, almost formal request, often with a sense of humility or urgency. She gave him a beseeching look that he could not ignore The villagers were beseeching the king for help during the famine
supplicating	Has a formal and somewhat old-fashioned tone, used for sincere and humble petitions, often with a religious or solemn undertone. They were supplicating for rain during the drought The monk spent hours supplicating for guidance

Examples of usage

Her pleading eyes revealed the pain she was feeling.
His pleading voice conveyed the depths of his emotions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

In a courtroom, 'pleading' refers to formal statements made by parties involved in a case, outlining their positions.
Types of pleadings include complaints and answers, outlining the facts and claims made by each party.
Pleadings are essential as they set the stage for legal arguments and proceedings.

Psychology

Pleading can evoke empathy in others, as it often reflects vulnerability and a deep emotional need.
Research shows that the way one pleads can affect the likelihood of compliance from others, tapping into human compassion.
Expressions and body language play a crucial role in how pleading is perceived emotionally.

Pop Culture

Pleading often appears in movies and television shows, usually in emotional scenes where a character begs for forgiveness or assistance.
Famous scenes, such as in 'The Pursuit of Happyness,' highlight the depths of pleading as characters seek help to overcome challenges.
Social media trends sometimes utilize humorous or exaggerated pleading expressions to engage audiences.

Literature

Many literary works feature characters who plead to convey their desperation, such as in classic tragedies where key moments revolve around powerful requests.
In poetry, pleading can evoke strong imagery and emotion, showcasing the depth of a character's desperation or longing.
Notable works like Shakespeare’s 'Romeo and Juliet' depict pleading as a vital emotional tool in romantic and familial conflicts.

Origin of 'pleading'

Main points about word origin

The word 'pleading' comes from the Old English 'pleodian', which means to engage in legal action.
Originally tied to the act of responding in court, it has since evolved to encompass emotional requests.
The suffix '-ing' indicates the action of begging or asking persistently.

The word 'pleading' originated from the Old French word 'pleindre' which means 'to complain'. Over time, it evolved to mean making an emotional appeal or request. The concept of pleading has been an essential part of legal systems and interpersonal communication for centuries, reflecting the universal human need to express emotions and seek understanding.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,947 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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