Plead Meaning
/pliːd/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo present (an argument or a plea), especially in a legal case.
verbTo beg, beseech, or implore, especially emotionally.
Sentence Examples
The man who was arrested for murder asked to plead the fifth.
I plead you to tell me the truth.
The accused man decided to plead not guilty to the charges.
CEFR Practice Quiz
She had to ____ with her parents to let her go to the concert.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The accused chose to ____ guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence recommended by the prosecutor.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English pleden, plaiden, from Old French plaider (“to plead, offer a plea”), from plait, from Medieval Latin placitum (“a decree, sentence, suit, plea, etc.", in Classical Latin, "an opinion, determination, prescription, order; literally, that which is pleasing, pleasure”), neuter of placitus, past participle of placeō (“to please”). Cognate with Spanish pleitear (“to litigate, take to court”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!"
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Job 16:21:
"At the High Court in Aberdeen in September, NR pleaded guilty to a series of failings, including failing to tell the driver that it was unsafe to drive the train at the 75mph line speed."
— 2023 October 18, “Network News: Carmont: NR pays nearly £1m in out-of-court settlements”, in RAIL, number 994, page 15:
"From there Prince Rupert, the Royalist general and nephew of Charles I, demanded over £2,000 from the mayor of Leicester to pay the king's forces who were camped around Queniborough. The mayor, however, pleaded poverty and sent only £500."
— 1980, AA Book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd, page 329, about Queniborough:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
She had to ____ with her parents to let her go to the concert.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The accused chose to ____ guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence recommended by the prosecutor.