Word
pleading
Phoneticsplead·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɫidɪŋ/
UK/plˈiːdɪŋ/
Definitions
01begging or entreating
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. showing in your voice or face that you are begging for something or want someone to be kind.
adj. expressing an earnest, humble, or urgent entreaty; often used to describe facial expressions or vocal tones.
“The dog gave her a pleading look when she finished her sandwich.”
“He spoke in a pleading tone, hoping to convince the committee to grant him one final extension on the project deadline.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02legal documents
C1 · Advanced Plural noun Law Technical · Formal
n. formal written statements that people in a court case give to the judge to explain their side.
n. formal written statements filed by the parties in a civil or criminal case that state their respective claims and defences.
“The lawyer spent the afternoon preparing the pleading for the new case.”
“The judge reviewed the initial pleadings to determine whether the plaintiff had sufficient grounds to proceed with the litigation.”
Usage
Often used in the plural form 'pleadings' to refer to the entire set of documents.
Synonyms
03the act of begging
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. the act of asking for something in a very strong or emotional way.
v. the present participle or gerund of 'plead', referring to the act of making an earnest appeal or a formal statement in court.
“Pleading with him was useless because he had already made up his mind.”
“After hours of pleading for mercy, the prisoner was finally allowed to speak with a legal representative.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “pleading” in context.
Real-World Examples
“I’m pleading with parents and schools today to use every opportunity to have really direct conversations with young people.” “Five years after her son's death, Fiona Connolly recalls pleading with hospital staff to save her son.” Etymology
By surface analysis, plead + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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