Plea

Definition

Plea refers to a formal statement made by a defendant in court, indicating guilt or innocence, or an urgent request or appeal.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pliː/
• Respelling: PLEE (with "PLEE" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pliː/
• Respelling: PLEE (similar to American English, with "PLEE" as in "see")

In both dialects, "plea" is pronounced with a single, stressed syllable, "PLEE." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, emphasizing the clear, long "ee" sound.

Etymology

The term "plea" is derived from Old French "plaid", which means "agreement or negotiation", and is related to the Medieval Latin term "placitum", meaning "decree or ordinance".

Derivatives

• Pleader
• Pleading
• Plea-bargain
• Pleasance
• Pleasantry

Synonyms

• Appeal
• Request
• Entreaty

Antonyms

• None

Usage

"Plea" is most commonly used in a legal context, referring to a defendant's formal answer to a criminal charge. Outside of this context, it can also mean an earnest request or appeal.

Related Terms

• Allegation
• Petition
• Charge
• Claim
• Suit

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A formal statement by a defendant or prisoner, stating guilt or innocence concerning a charge.
• Example: "The accused entered a plea of not guilty."

• An earnest or humble request or appeal.
• Example: "She made a plea for help to the community."

• A claim or assertion, typically in a legal context.
• Example: "He filed a plea of wrongful termination against the company."