plead
pleed
Plead (verb) means to argue a case formally, especially in court. Example: “Her lawyer pleaded the case skilfully before the jury.”
verb
1
To argue a case formally, especially in court.
"Her lawyer pleaded the case skilfully before the jury."
2
To beg for something urgently and emotionally.
"He pleaded with his boss for a second chance."
"She pleaded with the officer not to give her a ticket."
3
To offer something as an excuse.
"He pleaded ignorance when confronted about the missing files."
How to use plead
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo beg earnestly, or to formally argue a case in court.
Common mistake
Past tense is "pleaded" in most standard usage (also "pled" is common in American English and law contexts).
Common pairings
plead guilty
plead for mercy
plead ignorance
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- pleads
- Past tense
- pleaded, pled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her lawyer _____ the case skilfully before the jury.
Etymology
From Old French plaider ("to plead"), from the same root as plea.
Related words
Rhymes for plead
See all rhymes for plead →Frequently asked questions
What does “plead” mean?
The word “plead” means to argue a case formally, especially in court. In plain terms, to beg earnestly, or to formally argue a case in court.
How do you pronounce “plead”?
“Plead” is pronounced pleed (/pliːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “plead” in a sentence?
Here is “plead” used in a sentence: “Her lawyer pleaded the case skilfully before the jury.”
What part of speech is “plead”?
“Plead” is a verb.
Where does the word “plead” come from?
The word “plead” comes from Old French. From Old French plaider ("to plead"), from the same root as plea.
Is “plead” a common word?
“Plead” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “plead” have?
“Plead” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to argue a case formally, especially in court.
What is the difference between plead guilty and plead not guilty?
To plead guilty means formally admitting to the charge in court, accepting responsibility for the offense, while pleading not guilty means formally denying the charge and requiring the prosecution to prove its case at trial.
What is the difference between plead and beg?
Plead and beg both involve asking urgently and emotionally for something, but plead also has a formal legal sense of arguing a case in court, which beg does not carry. In everyday use, however, the two are close synonyms.
Can plead mean giving an excuse?
Yes, plead can mean offering something as an excuse, as in "he pleaded ignorance" or "she pleaded a prior engagement," where the person presents a reason to justify or excuse their behavior rather than arguing a formal case.
