plead

Meaning

1. (ambitransitive, copulative) To present (an argument or a plea), especially in a legal case.
2. (intransitive) To beg, beseech, or implore, especially emotionally.
3. (transitive) To offer by way of excuse.
4. (transitive) To discuss by arguments.

Synonyms

beg

entreat

beseech

implore

appeal

ask

petition

supplicate

pray

🛐

request

ask for

solicit

defend

argue

pretend

sue

advocate

plea

intercede

debate

declare

claim

adore

allege

answer

contend

discuss

maintain

profess

reply

respond

urge

worship

reason with

hold a brief

check

call on

defense

ask for something

discussion

draw

call

equal

exhort

feed back

field

fill

fold

give as an excuse

bespeak

Translations

plaider

plädieren

rogar

suplicar

implorer

pleiten

supplicare

supplier

pleitear

implorar

bepleiten

bitten

chiedere

beschwören

Pronounced as (IPA)

/pliːd/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: pleden

Cognate with Spanish: pleitear

In summary

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”).