Plead
/pliːd/
verbB2
Definition
Plead means to ask someone for something with strong feeling, often because you are in trouble or need help. It can also mean to say how you feel about something in court, like saying if you are guilty or not guilty.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
To ask for something seriously or emotionally
- •She pleaded for her friend to forgive her mistake.
- •The child pleaded with his parents to buy the toy.
- •He pleaded with the doctor to help him feel better.
To state a formal answer in court about guilt or innocence
- •The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
- •She pleaded guilty to the crime in court.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "plead" like "ask," but much stronger and more emotional—like when you really want or need something
- ✓Picture someone with hands together, looking worried or sad, asking for help or forgiveness
- ✓It's the feeling when you really want someone to listen and understand your problem or need
- ✓Sounds like "plead" → imagine a person "pleading" (plead sounds like "plead" in "please," which is also a polite ask)
- ✓In stories or movies, people plead with a king or judge to save them or change a decision
- ✓NOT like "demand" (which is forceful and angry), "plead" is more about asking with emotion and hope
- ✓NOT like "beg" (which can be more desperate), "plead" often has a formal or serious tone, especially in courts
- ✓NOT like "say" (simple talk), "plead" means you are trying to convince or get help urgently
Try Other Words
- •Beg: to ask for something with strong emotion, often more desperate (Use when the situation is more urgent or desperate)
- •Request: to politely ask for something (Use when the tone is formal and polite)
- •Appeal: to make a serious or urgent request, often to a group or authority (Use when asking for help or decision from someone in power)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: base word "plead" (no prefix or suffix)
- •Etymology: From Old French "plaider" meaning to argue or speak in court, from Latin "placitare" meaning to plead or judge
- •Historical development: Originally used in law to mean making a formal statement in court; later also used for emotional requests
- •Modern usage: Used both in legal contexts for court answers and in everyday language for strong or emotional asking
Reflect & Connect
•When is it better to plead than just ask? Can pleading sometimes be seen as weak or strong?
•How do cultural differences affect the way people plead or ask for help?
Fill in the blanks
1.She pleaded ___ her parents to let her go to the party because it was important to her.
2.In court, the lawyer told the judge that the defendant would plead ___ guilty or not guilty.
3.When someone pleads, they often show strong ___ or need for help.
4.Unlike a simple ask, to plead usually means the person feels ___ or desperate.
5.The prisoner pleaded ___ mercy, hoping the judge would be kind.
6.People sometimes plead ___ forgiveness after making a mistake.
7.When you plead with someone, you usually want them to ___ or change their mind.