plea
plea Lexical Profile
plea Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An urgent, earnest, or emotional request for help, mercy, or action.
"The charity issued an urgent plea for donations to assist families affected by the flood."
A formal statement made by or on behalf of a defendant or prisoner in a court of law, stating guilt or innocence in response to a charge.
"On the advice of her defense attorney, the defendant entered a plea of not guilty."
A claim, explanation, or excuse offered as a justification for doing or not doing something.
"He declined the invitation to speak at the conference on the plea of poor health."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse the noun "plea" (an urgent request or formal legal statement) with the verb "plead" (to make an emotional appeal or enter a legal answer in court).
• Rhymes for plea
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French plai or plaid (lawsuit or agreement), ultimately from Medieval Latin placitum (a judicial decision or decree), literally "that which pleases," from Latin placēre (to please).