Verb · /pliːd/ · to make an earnest appeal; to state a formal case in law
Definition
To plead is to appeal urgently and sincerely to someone — to beg, implore, or press a case with emotional conviction. In legal usage, to plead is to formally address a court: to plead guilty, to plead not guilty, or to plead a case on behalf of a client. The verb connects raw human emotion to formal legal process.
Origin
From Old French plaidier — to go to law, to plead in court — which derived from plait (lawsuit). Entered Middle English in the 13th century first in legal contexts, then broadened to general emotional appeal. Irregular past tenses: pleaded (standard British) and pled (chiefly Scottish and American English).
⚠ Google UK English voices unavailable. Transcript shown for reading. Use Google Chrome for audio.
Ready
🎧 Podcast 2 — Daily Use
Plead in Conversation
Two British speakers · Real everyday dialogue
⚠ Google UK English voices unavailable. Transcript shown for reading. Use Google Chrome for audio.
Ready
⚙ Podcast 3 — Prompt Engineering
Plead — AI Prompts
Practical prompt cards · Copy & read aloud
⚠ Google UK English voices unavailable. Transcript shown for reading. Use Google Chrome for audio.