plead - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
plead Word Meanings
- to make an emotional appeal
- to argue a case in a court of law
- to request something earnestly
plead Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
plead Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/pliːd/
US
/pliːd/
plead Word Etymology
plead = plea + -d, where plea is an old variant of 'plee' meaning 'to communicate a story'. Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Picture someone on their knees, passionately arguing their case and imploring for mercy.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I lean forward, push my chair a little closer, and plead for a moment longer. My voice softens as I set my gaze and adjust my posture, trying to read the room. The pressure builds, I hold my breath one beat and let the feeling guide my words toward mercy. This small move in a tense moment can tilt a decision when it matters, turning intention into action.
Real Context
Plead is a versatile verb that covers three closely related ideas. First, to plead is to make an emotional appeal, often to sway someone’s feelings or mercy, as in pleading for forgiveness or mercy from a judge or a loved one. Second, in a legal setting, to plead means to state or argue a case in court, such as pleading guilty or pleading not guilty, or pleading a particular point in a trial. Third, to plead can also mean to request something earnestly or urgently, appealing for help, attention, or consideration. Note the common variants pleaded and pled, and remember that the tone shifts with context from intimate pleading to formal courtroom rhetoric.
Usage Reminders
- 1) Know which meaning you mean: emotional appeal, legal plead, or earnest request.
- 2) In court, use plead with 'guilty' or 'not guilty' and check country-specific terminology.
- 3) Past tense can be pleaded or pled; pick a consistent form.
- 4) Use 'plead with' someone or 'plead for mercy' for emotional appeals.
- 5) In casual speech, consider 'beg' or 'urge' for stronger everyday tone.
- 6) Watch for collocations like 'plead a case' or 'plead the fifth' in American legal contexts.
Common Misconceptions
- Plead is the same as beg in all contexts
- In everyday speech you should always use pleaded or pled in all tenses
- Plead can only be used in court
- Plead with someone means to pretend or lie
- There is no difference between plead and plead with/for
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Practice three senses separately with example sentences
- Memorize key collocations: plead with, plead for mercy, plead guilty
- Remember past forms pleaded and pled
- Note formality: casual contexts use beg; legal contexts use plead
- Try translating a short news article and spotting plead usages
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'plead' used correctly?
A.She jumped with joy
B.They sang a song
C.He pleaded for mercy
D.I ran to the store
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is an antonym of 'plead'?
A.Request
B.Demand
C.Beg
D.Plead
Step 4: Opposite Words
In a legal setting, how might someone 'plead' in court?
A.By presenting evidence
B.By asking for leniency
C.By declaring innocence
D.By confessing to a crime
Step 5: Mastery
Reflect on a time when you had to plead for something. How did it make you feel?
A.Hopeful
B.Annoyed
C.Embarrassed
D.Happy
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