Plea Meaning and Definition
Plea
Pronunciation
/ˈpliː/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A concise statement or request, often formal or polite, made in response to a demand, threat, or accusation.
Examples
- The lawyer entered a plea of not guilty in the courtroom.
- She made a plea for help, hoping someone would intervene.
Synonyms
- Appeal
- Request
- Statement
Antonyms
- Denial
- Refusal
Etymology
The word “plea” comes from the Old French “plee”, which is derived from the Latin “pleuere”, meaning “to cry out” or “to pray”.
Usage Notes
A plea is often used in formal or official contexts, such as in law, medicine, or business. It can also be used in informal settings, such as in conversations or letters.
Cultural References
In popular culture, the term “plea” has been used in films, literature, and music to describe a character’s desperate or urgent request for help or justice.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
A plea bargain, a deal made between a defendant and a prosecutor to reduce the severity of a sentence in exchange for a guilty plea.
Related Words or Phrases
- Claim
- Demand
- Petition
Collocations
- make a plea
- enter a plea
- hear a plea
Frequency of Use
The word “plea” is used relatively infrequently in everyday language, but it is common in formal or official contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Peer
- Pele