verb
plead
pleed
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
Word Forms
pleaded past tense, pled past tense, plead past tense, pleads singular
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Her lawyer _____ the case skilfully before the jury.
Etymology
From Old French plaider ("to plead"), from the same root as plea.