pleading

Everyday

1. Pleading means begging or asking for something very strongly and emotionally. tree →
2. As an adjective, a pleading look or voice asks for help or kindness without words. tree →
3. (law) In court, pleading guilty or not guilty means saying officially whether you did the crime; pleadings are the written statements of each side. tree →

In the lessons

In stories "pleading" shows a character desperate for something, so readers feel how much they want it (a dog's pleading eyes). In citizenship lessons about courts, "pleading guilty" and "pleading not guilty" are key phrases. Phrases: pleading with someone, pleading for mercy, pleading eyes.

Examples

• The puppy gave me a pleading look when I ate my sandwich. tree →
• "Please, just five more minutes," she said, pleading with Mum. tree →
• He was pleading for one more go on the trampoline. tree →
• The prisoner was pleading for mercy. tree →
• (law) The man is pleading not guilty to the charge. tree →
• Her pleading voice made the teacher listen. tree →
• After a lot of pleading, Dad let us stay up for the fireworks. tree →
• Watanabe was very troubled at the old woman’s pleading, but he still persisted in refusing. tree →

Note

Past of plead is "pleaded" in the UK; "pled" is also common in the US. You plead WITH a person FOR a thing. "Pleading guilty" means admitting the crime in court; "not guilty" means denying it.

In Jewish tradition

"Pleadings of my lips" means the arguments Job makes, as in a court case.

Interpretation. Job is seen as putting God's justice on trial, arguing his case with honesty and courage.

Examples

• Hear now my reasoning, and hearken to the pleadings of my lips. (Writings JOB.13.6, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Past of plead is "pleaded" in the UK; "pled" is also common in the US. You plead WITH a person FOR a thing. "Pleading guilty" means admitting the crime in court; "not guilty" means denying it.