Word: plea (noun)

Associations

A "plea" is a serious and emotional request for something. It often shows that someone really needs help or is asking for something in an urgent way.

• Example 1: The child made a plea for his lost puppy. (The child is asking seriously to find his puppy.)
• Example 2: The lawyer entered a plea of not guilty. (In court, the lawyer says the person is not guilty.)
• Example 3: She made a plea for peace during the meeting. (She asked strongly for peace.)

Synonym: "request" is similar but less emotional or urgent than "plea." A "plea" usually feels more serious or desperate.

Substitution

Instead of "plea," you can say:

• request (more polite and less urgent)
• appeal (often used in serious or official situations)
• petition (formal written request)

Using "appeal" instead of "plea" makes it sound more official, while "request" sounds softer.

Deconstruction

The word "plea" comes from Old French "plait," meaning a legal suit or argument. It is related to the verb "to plead," which means to ask earnestly or to argue in court. The root is connected to law and asking seriously.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you or someone else made a plea for help?
• How is a plea different from a simple request in your experience?
• In what situations might someone make a plea instead of just asking politely?