Plea
ˈpliː
Definitions
2 meaningsA sincere or urgent request, appeal, or entreaty, often for help or a specific action; in law, the defendant's declaration of guilt or innocence.
ˈpliː
An earnest request or appeal.
The child's plea for a toy was met with a stern look from his mother.
💡 Simply: It's like asking for something *really* nicely and seriously, like when you beg your parents for a puppy. It could also be what you say in court to say if you're guilty or not guilty.
👶 For kids: When you ask someone for something in a really important way.
More Examples
The lawyer made a passionate plea for his client's freedom.
The environmental group issued a plea to the government to protect endangered species.
How It's Used
"She made a plea for help after her car broke down."
"The defendant entered a plea of guilty."
"Activists issued a plea for environmental protection."
In law, the defendant's formal statement of guilt or innocence.
ˈpliː
A formal statement in a court of law
The defendant's plea of not guilty was surprising to the prosecution.
💡 Simply: In a courtroom, it's what the person on trial says to tell everyone if they did what they're accused of or not. Like, 'I'm guilty' or 'I'm innocent'.
👶 For kids: When you say in court if you did something wrong or not.
More Examples
After a plea bargain, the charges were reduced.
He changed his plea to guilty.
How It's Used
"The defendant entered a plea of not guilty."
Idioms & expressions
plea bargain
An agreement in which a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.
"The lawyer was able to negotiate a plea bargain for his client."
From Old French *plait* ('lawsuit, legal case'), from Latin *placitum* ('something pleasing, decree, judgment'), from *placēre* ('to please').
The word 'plea' has been used in legal contexts for centuries, indicating a formal declaration or claim, and its use has expanded to other situations requiring an appeal or request.
Memory tip
Think of a 'please' with urgency.
Word Origin
"to please, something pleasing"