What does “plead” mean?
- 1
verbto ask for something in an urgent, emotional way
She pleaded with him not to leave.
- 2
verbto state in court whether you are guilty or not guilty
He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Plead at a glance
- Part of speech
- verb
- CEFR level
- C1 (advanced)
- Pronunciation
- /plid/ · PLEED
- Forms
- pleaded, pled
How to use “plead” correctly
The past is “pleaded”; “pled” is common in American speech. “Plead ignorance” means say you didn’t know.
Common phrases with “plead”
- plead with sb
- plead guilty
- plead ignorance
- plead for mercy
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- beg
- appeal
- implore
Word family
- plea
“plead” is on these word lists
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