Pleading Meaning and Definition
Pleading
Pronunciation
/ˈpliːdɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A formal statement of a fact or a set of facts, especially in a legal or official context.
Examples
- The lawyer drafted a pleading to present to the court.
- The plaintiff presented a pleading to argue their case.
Synonyms
- Statement
- Argument
- Declaration
Antonyms
- Denial
- Rebuttal
Etymology
The word “pleading” originates from the Old French “plaiding,” meaning “to win or procure,” from “plaida,” meaning “to win.” It has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to a formal statement of a claim or defense.
Usage Notes
Pleading is typically used in legal or official contexts, but it can also be used more broadly to refer to a persuasive or argumentative statement.
Cultural References
Pleading has been featured in various legal dramas and films, such as “Law & Order” and “The Devil’s Advocate.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Pleading guilty” means to accept guilt or responsibility for an action, often in a legal or official setting.
Related Words or Phrases
Claim, argument, declaration, statement, evidence
Collocations
pleading guilty, pleading not guilty, pleading the fifth
Frequency of Use
Pleading is a relatively formal and technical term, and its frequency of use is generally moderate to high in legal and official contexts.
Common Misspellings
pleeding, pledging, pleadingly