Pleaded
/ˈpliːdɪd/
verbB2past tense
Definition
To plead means to ask for help, mercy, or something important with strong feeling or urgency. It is often used when someone wants to convince another person to do or not do something. "Pleaded" is the past tense, showing this asking happened before.
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See It in Action
To ask for something seriously or emotionally
- •She pleaded for her dog's safety after the accident.
- •The child pleaded with his parents to let him stay up late.
- •He pleaded not guilty in court.
To make a formal statement in court (legal meaning)
- •The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges.
- •During the trial, he pleaded his case carefully.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "pleaded" like "asked," but much more serious and emotional—like when you really need something
- ✓Picture someone holding their hands together, looking worried or sad, asking for help
- ✓It's the feeling when you want something very much and ask with hope or desperation
- ✓Sounds like "plead-ed" → imagine someone saying "please" again and again in a soft, urgent voice
- ✓In stories, characters often pleaded for forgiveness or for a chance to explain themselves
- ✓NOT like "demanded" (which is strong and forceful), "pleaded" is softer and shows emotion
- ✓NOT like "begged" (which can sound desperate), "pleaded" can be polite but serious
- ✓NOT like "asked" (simple question), "pleaded" shows strong feeling and importance
Try Other Words
- •Begged: to ask with strong desperation or need (Use when the emotion is very strong and urgent)
- •Requested: to ask politely or formally (Use in polite or official situations)
- •Implored: to ask in a very serious and emotional way (Use when showing deep feeling or urgency)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: base "plead" + past tense suffix "-ed"
- •Etymology: From Old English "plegian," meaning to play or exercise, later changed to mean to argue or ask seriously
- •Historical development: Used since Middle Ages in legal and everyday language to mean asking seriously or making a formal statement
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to show emotional asking or legal statements in past events
Reflect & Connect
•When have you pleaded for something important in your life? How did it feel?
•How does pleading differ from simply asking or demanding in different situations?
Fill in the blanks
1.She pleaded ___ her parents ___ let her go to the party because it was very important to her.
2.In court, the accused pleaded ___ to the charges brought against him.
3.When someone is scared or desperate, they often pleaded ___ help with strong emotion.
4.Unlike simply asking, pleading usually shows ___ or urgency in the request.
5.He pleaded ___ the judge to give him a second chance during the trial.
6.People often pleaded ___ mercy when they are in trouble or danger.
7.If you only want something casually, you might ask, but if you pleaded, it means you ___ really want it.