Basic Details
Word: Plead
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To ask or beg for something in a serious way.
Synonyms: Beg, request, implore
Antonyms: Refuse, reject, deny
Idioms and Phrases
- Plead the fifth: To refuse to answer a question in order to avoid self-incrimination. Example: "When asked about his whereabouts, he chose to plead the fifth and said nothing."
- Plead for mercy: To ask someone to show kindness or pity. Example: "In the movie, the hero pleaded for mercy, hoping the villain would spare his friends."
Usage Examples
Example 1: She went to the teacher's desk to plead for more time to finish her project.
Example 2: The puppy looked at me with big eyes, as if it wanted to plead for a treat.
Example 3: In court, the lawyer had to plead his case convincingly to win over the jury.
Fun Fact
The word "plead" comes from the Old English word "pldan," which means "to say, explain, or argue." It has been used for centuries to express the act of earnestly asking for something.
Famous Quote
"A man may plead the cause of another, when he pleads his own cause." Thomas Carlyle
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "plead" mean?
a) To ignore someone
b) To ask or beg seriously
c) To walk away
d) To laugh loudly
Answer: b) To ask or beg seriously
2. Which of these is a synonym of "plead"?
a) Request
b) Ignore
c) Shout
d) Tackle
Answer: a) Request
3. Which sentence uses "plead" correctly?
a) The girl began to plead for a new bike.
b) The tiger decided to plead in the jungle.
c) The sun started to plead in the sky.
d) The tree pleaded for water by dancing.
Answer: a) The girl began to plead for a new bike.
4. Which idiom means to avoid answering a question?
a) Plead the fifth
b) Come to the plead
c) Plead for mercy
d) A stitch in time saves nine
Answer: a) Plead the fifth
5. What is the opposite of "plead"?
a) Accept
b) Refuse
c) Demand
d) Ask
Answer: b) Refuse
