Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 verb 10 min de lectura

plaider

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos plaider en 30 segundos

Explicación plaider in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'plaider' is a bit advanced, but you can think of it as a special way to say 'speak for' or 'help with words'. Imagine a child asking a teacher to help a friend; they are 'speaking for' them. In French, when an adult does this in a serious way, they might use 'plaider'. You will mostly see it in very simple sentences about lawyers or help. Focus on the idea that 'plaider' means using your voice to support something you like or someone who needs help. It's like saying 'I am on your side' in a formal way. Don't worry about the legal rules yet; just remember it's a verb for defending an idea. For example, 'Il plaide pour la nature' means 'He speaks for nature'. It's a regular verb, so it's easy to conjugate like 'parler'. Just remember: plaider = speaking to defend.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the A2 level, you can start using 'plaider' in more specific contexts, especially when talking about jobs or social issues. You might learn that an 'avocat' (lawyer) is someone who 'plaide'. You can also use it with 'pour' (for) or 'contre' (against). For example, 'Je plaide pour plus de vacances' (I am arguing for more vacations). This is a great way to express your opinion more strongly than just using 'je pense que'. It shows you are making an effort to convince someone. You should also recognize 'plaider coupable' (to plead guilty) from movies or news. At this stage, try to use it when you want to 'defend' an idea in a class discussion or a simple essay. It makes your French sound a bit more professional and serious than using 'dire' all the time.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'plaider' in its legal and figurative senses. You are expected to understand that 'plaider sa cause' means to make one's case or defend oneself. You should use 'plaider pour' or 'plaider en faveur de' when discussing social themes like the environment, education, or politics. This is a key verb for the DELF B1 exam, where you often have to express a reasoned opinion. You should also be careful not to confuse it with 'plaindre' (to pity) or 'supplier' (to beg). At B1, you start to see 'plaider' in news articles and understand that it implies a structured argument. You should also know the noun form 'une plaidoirie', which is the speech a lawyer makes. Using 'plaider' correctly shows that you can navigate formal situations and handle abstract concepts of justice and advocacy.

At the B2 level, 'plaider' becomes a tool for nuanced argumentation. You should use it to distinguish between simply stating a fact and actively advocating for a position. You can use phrases like 'plaider l'ignorance' (to claim ignorance) or 'plaider la bonne foi' (to plead good faith). You understand that 'plaider' carries a certain rhetorical weight. In your writing, you might use it to report on different sides of a debate: 'Certains experts plaident pour une intervention, tandis que d'autres plaident pour la prudence.' You should also be aware of the stylistic effects of using 'plaider'—it can sound noble, urgent, or even ironic depending on the context. Your mastery of prepositions (plaider pour, plaider que, plaider + noun) should be solid. You are now using the word to construct complex arguments in favor of your 'thèse'.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C1 level, you appreciate the historical and cultural depth of 'plaider'. You can use it in highly formal contexts, such as legal writing, academic papers, or high-level diplomacy. You might explore idiomatic expressions like 'plaider le faux pour savoir le vrai' (to play devil's advocate or lie to find the truth). You understand the subtle differences between 'plaider', 'préconiser', 'soutenir', and 'argumenter', and you choose the one that fits the exact 'registre' of your discourse. You can analyze a 'plaidoirie' for its rhetorical devices. Your use of 'plaider' is not just about the meaning, but about the tone—you use it to evoke a sense of justice, advocacy, or formal defense. You can also handle the word in passive or more complex grammatical structures, and you are aware of its Latin roots and how they influence its modern usage in the 'Code Civil'.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C2 level, 'plaider' is a word you use with total precision and stylistic flair. You can engage in debates about the art of the 'plaidoirie' in French history, citing famous lawyers or historical trials. You use 'plaider' to discuss philosophical concepts, such as 'plaider la cause de l'humanité'. You are sensitive to the word's resonance in different domains—from the 'prétoire' (courtroom) to the 'tribune' (podium). You can use it ironically or metaphorically in literature or high-level journalism. You understand the nuances of 'se plaider' in rare legal contexts (e.g., 'une affaire qui se plaide'). For you, 'plaider' is more than a verb; it is a symbol of the French commitment to 'le verbe' (the word) as a tool for justice and social change. You can switch between its various meanings and associations effortlessly, reflecting a near-native command of the language's rhetorical power.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

plaider en 30 segundos

Plaider is a formal French verb meaning to plead a case in court or to advocate for a cause in general life.
It is primarily used by lawyers (avocats) but also by activists, politicians, and anyone making a serious argument.
Common structures include 'plaider pour' (advocate for), 'plaider coupable' (plead guilty), and 'plaider la cause de' (defend the cause of).
It is a regular -er verb, making it easy to conjugate, but it requires precise prepositions and context to avoid confusion with 'plaindre'.

The French verb plaider is a versatile and essential term that sits at the intersection of law, rhetoric, and daily persuasion. At its core, it means to present a case, to argue in favor of a position, or to defend a specific viewpoint. While its most formal home is within the walls of a courtroom—where an avocat (lawyer) stands before a judge—it has permeated general French conversation to describe any situation where someone is trying to convince others of the validity of an idea or the innocence of an action. Understanding plaider requires recognizing its weight; it is more formal than simply 'dire' (to say) or 'parler' (to talk). It implies a structured argument, a sense of conviction, and often, a high-stakes outcome.

Legal Context: In the judiciary sense, plaider refers to the oral defense presented by a lawyer. It is the act of 'pleading' a case. For example, 'L'avocat a plaidé l'innocence de son client' (The lawyer pleaded his client's innocence). It covers the entire rhetorical performance intended to influence the court's decision.

Il a décidé de plaider coupable pour obtenir une peine réduite.

Translation: He decided to plead guilty to obtain a reduced sentence.

Beyond the courtroom, plaider is used figuratively. When you 'plaider pour une cause' (plead for a cause), you are acting as an advocate. This could be in a political meeting, a corporate boardroom, or even a family discussion. If you are trying to convince your parents to let you go on a trip, you are 'plaidant votre cause'. The word carries a nuance of advocacy and passion. It suggests that the speaker is not just sharing an opinion but is actively fighting for a result. This distinction is crucial for B1 learners: use plaider when the stakes are high and the argument is formal or deeply felt.

Rhetorical Nuance: The verb often introduces a specific logic. To 'plaider le faux pour savoir le vrai' is a classic French idiom meaning to tell a lie or suggest something false in order to provoke a reaction that reveals the truth. This shows the word's connection to strategy and manipulation of speech.

Elle plaide en faveur d'une meilleure protection de l'environnement.

In summary, plaider is about the power of the word to change a situation. Whether it is a lawyer defending a life or an activist defending the planet, the act of plaider involves selecting the best arguments to win over an audience. It is a noble verb, associated with the French tradition of eloquence and the 'siècle des Lumières' where the power of reason and debate became central to society. When you use plaider, you are tapping into this long history of intellectual and legal defense.

Using plaider correctly involves understanding its grammatical structures, which vary depending on whether you are using it in a legal or general sense. As a transitive verb, it can take a direct object (what you are pleading), or it can be used with prepositions like en faveur de (in favor of) or pour (for). Mastering these patterns is key to moving from a B1 level to B2 fluency.

Direct Object Usage: When plaider is followed directly by a noun, it usually refers to the specific argument or legal status being presented. Common objects include l'innocence, la cause, or le dossier. Example: 'Il plaide sa propre cause' (He is pleading his own case/cause).

L'avocat va plaider la relaxe de son client demain matin.

Note: 'La relaxe' refers to an acquittal in certain French legal contexts.

One of the most common constructions for learners is plaider pour or plaider en faveur de. This is used when advocating for a change, a person, or a policy. 'Plaider pour' is slightly more direct and common in speech, while 'en faveur de' feels more formal and written. For instance, 'Le ministre plaide pour une réforme du système scolaire' suggests an active, public effort to support the reform. This construction is very useful for essays and formal discussions about social issues.

Plaider + Adjective/Noun (Status): In legal settings, you 'plaider coupable' (plead guilty) or 'plaider non coupable' (plead not guilty). Note that there is no 'être' here. You don't say 'plaider être coupable'; you simply say 'plaider coupable'.

Malgré les preuves, l'accusé continue de plaider non coupable.

Another interesting use is plaider que... followed by a clause. This is used to state the core of an argument. 'Il plaide que la loi est injuste' (He argues that the law is unfair). This structure is excellent for reporting someone's stance in a debate. By using plaider instead of dire, you emphasize that the person is making a formal case. Finally, consider the reflexive-like 'se plaider' in very rare, abstract contexts, though for B1, focus on the active forms. The richness of plaider lies in its ability to elevate a simple statement into a formal plea.

If you turn on the French news or open a newspaper like Le Monde or Le Figaro, you are almost guaranteed to encounter the word plaider. It is a staple of journalistic and political discourse. In the news, it often appears in headlines regarding court cases (les faits divers) or international diplomacy. For example, you might hear a reporter say, 'Le président français a plaidé pour une coopération européenne accrue lors du sommet' (The French president pleaded for increased European cooperation during the summit). Here, plaider conveys a sense of diplomatic urgency and formal request.

The Courtroom Drama: In French cinema and television, particularly 'séries policières' (crime series) like Engrenages (Spiral), the verb is used constantly. You will hear lawyers discussing their 'plaidoirie' (closing argument) and debating whether to 'plaider la folie' (plead insanity) or 'plaider la légitime défense' (plead self-defense).

À la fin du procès, l'avocat a plaidé avec une émotion incroyable.

Context: Describing a powerful closing argument in a trial.

Social activism is another major arena for plaider. Environmentalists 'plaident pour le climat', and human rights advocates 'plaident la cause des opprimés'. In these contexts, the word is synonymous with 'militate' or 'advocate'. It suggests a public, often passionate, defense of a principle. If you attend a 'manifestation' (protest) in France, you might see banners that essentially 'plaident' for a specific right or change. It is a word of the public square, the 'agora', where ideas are contested.

Daily Persuasion: While less common in very casual slang, you will hear it in intellectual conversations or office settings. 'Je plaide coupable, j'ai oublié de t'appeler' (I plead guilty, I forgot to call you) is a common, slightly playful way to admit a small mistake by using legal terminology.

In academic settings, researchers 'plaident' for a new theory or a change in methodology. It implies that their findings are not just facts, but a case being built to change the mind of the scientific community. Therefore, whether you are listening to a high-level political speech, watching a courtroom drama, or reading a serious editorial, plaider is the signal that someone is trying to move the needle of opinion through reasoned, passionate argument.

For English speakers, the verb plaider presents several 'faux amis' (false friends) and structural traps. The most frequent error is confusing it with the English 'to plead' in all its senses. In English, 'to plead' can mean 'to beg' (e.g., 'He pleaded with her to stay'). In French, plaider does NOT mean to beg. If you want to say someone is begging, you must use supplier or prier. Saying 'Il a plaidé sa femme de rester' is incorrect and sounds like he was making a legal case for her to stay in a courtroom.

The 'To Beg' Trap: Mistake: *Je plaide toi de m'aider. (Incorrect)
Correction: Je te supplie de m'aider. (Correct)
Explanation: Plaider is about argumentation, not emotional begging.

On ne plaide pas avec quelqu'un, on plaide une cause devant quelqu'un.

Another common mistake involves the preposition. English speakers often want to say 'plead for someone' as 'plaider pour quelqu'un'. While this is grammatically possible in French, it often implies you are literally the lawyer for that person. If you mean you are supporting them or speaking on their behalf in a general sense, it is often better to say 'plaider en faveur de quelqu'un' or 'prendre la défense de quelqu'un'. Additionally, learners often forget that 'plaider coupable' does not require the word 'être'.

Confusion with 'Plaindre': As mentioned before, the nasal 'ain' in plaindre (/plɛ̃dʁ/) vs. the clear 'ai' in plaider (/plɛ.de/) is a major hurdle. Plaindre means to pity. 'Je le plains' (I pity him) vs. 'Je plaide pour lui' (I argue for him) are very different sentiments.

Finally, watch out for the transitive/intransitive balance. In the expression 'plaider l'ignorance' (to claim ignorance), plaider is used directly. Learners sometimes try to add 'de' or 'pour', which is unnecessary. 'Il a plaidé l'ignorance' is the standard way to say someone claimed they didn't know. By avoiding these pitfalls—begging, preposition errors, and phonological confusion—you will use plaider with the precision of a native speaker.

French offers a variety of synonyms for plaider, each with its own specific 'registre' (register) and nuance. Knowing when to swap plaider for défendre, soutenir, or argumenter is a hallmark of an advanced learner. While plaider feels formal and judicial, these alternatives can be more appropriate in everyday or purely academic contexts.

Défendre vs. Plaider: Défendre is the most common alternative. It is broader; you can defend a person, a goal, or a physical territory. Plaider is specifically about the verbal argument used to defend. A lawyer défend a client by plaidant a cause.

Au lieu de simplement plaider, il a choisi de soutenir activement le projet.

Soutenir (to support/sustain) is used when you are providing the logical foundation for an idea. If you are writing a thesis, you 'soutenez une thèse'. While plaider suggests a fight or a plea, soutenir suggests stability and proof. Another close relative is argumenter. This is more clinical and focused on the logic itself rather than the 'cause' or the 'person'. You argumentez to show why something is true; you plaidez to win a case or save a situation.

Militer vs. Plaider: If plaider is the talk, militer is the walk. Militer means to be an activist for a cause. Someone who 'plaide pour l'écologie' might just be giving a speech, but someone who 'milite pour l'écologie' is likely attending protests and joining organizations.

In very formal or literary French, you might encounter intercéder (to intercede). This is used when you plaider on behalf of someone to a person in power, often asking for mercy. 'Intercéder en faveur de quelqu'un'. Finally, prêcher (to preach) can be used figuratively: 'prêcher pour sa paroisse' means to advocate for one's own interests. While plaider is the general-purpose 'advocacy' verb, choosing these specific alternatives will make your French sound much more nuanced and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The English word 'plead' is a direct loan from the Old French 'plaider'. They are cognates that have stayed very close in meaning for nearly a thousand years!

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈpleɪ.deɪ/ (English-approx) | /plɛ.de/ (French)

US /plɛ.de/

The stress in French is always on the last syllable: plai-DER.

Rima con

aider céder posséder procéder décéder accéder excéder regarder

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the final 'r' (it is silent).
Confusing the 'ai' sound with 'i' (making it sound like 'plier').
Nasalizing the 'ai' (making it sound like 'plaindre').
Using an English 'r' at the end.
Stressing the first syllable.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Common in news and literature, but the meaning is usually clear from context.

Escritura 4/5

Requires knowledge of specific legal and formal prepositions.

Expresión oral 3/5

Pronunciation is regular, but distinguishing from 'plaindre' is key.

Escucha 3/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear in formal speeches.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

Avocat Dire Cause Défendre Parler

Aprende después

Plaidoirie Plaidoyer Réquisitoire Verdict Jurisprudence

Avanzado

Intercéder Préconiser Alléguer Invoquer

Gramática que debes saber

Regular -er verb conjugation

Je plaide, nous plaidons, ils plaident.

Verbs followed by 'que' for reported speech/arguments

Il plaide que la situation est grave.

Adjectives used as adverbs with certain verbs

Plaider coupable (no 'être' or '-ment').

Prepositional phrases for advocacy

Plaider pour / Plaider en faveur de.

Passé composé with 'avoir'

L'avocat a plaidé pendant deux heures.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

L'avocat va plaider aujourd'hui.

The lawyer is going to plead today.

Future proche: aller + infinitive.

Je plaide pour mon ami.

I am speaking for my friend.

Present tense, regular -er verb.

Il plaide pour la paix.

He pleads for peace.

Plaider pour + noun.

Elle plaide sa cause.

She is making her case.

Direct object: sa cause.

Nous plaidons pour le parc.

We are pleading for the park.

First person plural: -ons ending.

Tu plaides très bien.

You plead/argue very well.

Adverb 'bien' modifying the verb.

Ils plaident contre le projet.

They are pleading against the project.

Plaider contre + noun.

Voulez-vous plaider ?

Do you want to plead?

Inversion for a question.

Le coupable a décidé de plaider coupable.

The guilty person decided to plead guilty.

Plaider + adjective (no 'être').

Elle plaide pour une ville plus verte.

She is advocating for a greener city.

Plaider pour + noun phrase.

Mon père plaide toujours ma cause auprès de ma mère.

My father always pleads my case with my mother.

Plaider [something] auprès de [someone].

Il a plaidé l'innocence de son frère.

He pleaded his brother's innocence.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

Les étudiants plaident pour moins d'examens.

The students are pleading for fewer exams.

Plaider pour + quantity.

Elle va plaider sa cause demain matin.

She is going to plead her case tomorrow morning.

Future construction.

Nous avons plaidé en faveur de ce changement.

We pleaded in favor of this change.

Plaider en faveur de.

L'avocat ne veut pas plaider ce dossier.

The lawyer does not want to plead this case/file.

Negation 'ne... pas'.

Le Premier ministre a plaidé pour une réforme urgente.

The Prime Minister pleaded for an urgent reform.

Formal political context.

Il est difficile de plaider l'ignorance dans cette situation.

It is difficult to claim ignorance in this situation.

Plaider + abstract noun.

Elle a su plaider avec éloquence devant le jury.

She knew how to plead with eloquence before the jury.

Plaider avec + noun (manner).

Les associations plaident pour une meilleure protection des océans.

Associations are pleading for better ocean protection.

Plaider pour + complex noun phrase.

Pourquoi plaidez-vous contre cette décision ?

Why are you pleading against this decision?

Interrogative with 'pourquoi'.

L'avocat a fini par plaider la légitime défense.

The lawyer ended up pleading self-defense.

Finir par + infinitive.

Je suis venu ici pour plaider ma cause.

I came here to plead my case.

Pour + infinitive (purpose).

Elle plaide que le système est obsolète.

She argues that the system is obsolete.

Plaider que + clause.

Le rapport plaide en faveur d'un investissement massif dans les énergies renouvelables.

The report advocates for a massive investment in renewable energies.

Abstract subject (le rapport).

L'accusé a choisi de ne pas plaider sa propre défense.

The accused chose not to plead his own defense.

Negation of infinitive: 'ne pas plaider'.

On ne peut pas plaider la bonne foi quand on a menti.

One cannot plead good faith when one has lied.

Plaider la bonne foi (idiomatic legal term).

Elle a plaidé la cause des femmes toute sa vie.

She pleaded the cause of women all her life.

Direct object with duration.

Le maire plaide pour une gestion plus transparente des fonds publics.

The mayor is pleading for more transparent management of public funds.

Plaider pour + professional terminology.

Il a plaidé non coupable malgré les preuves accablantes.

He pleaded not guilty despite the overwhelming evidence.

Plaider non coupable.

L'avocat de la défense va plaider la relaxe pure et simple.

The defense lawyer is going to plead for a full and simple acquittal.

Specific legal term: la relaxe.

Cette situation plaide pour une remise en question de nos méthodes.

This situation argues for a questioning of our methods.

Metaphorical use where a situation 'pleads'.

L'éditorialiste plaide pour une refonte totale de la constitution.

The editorialist is advocating for a total overhaul of the constitution.

Refonte (overhaul) - high-level vocab.

Il a tenté de plaider le faux pour savoir le vrai.

He tried to play devil's advocate/lie to find the truth.

Idiomatic expression.

La défense a plaidé l'irresponsabilité pénale de son client.

The defense pleaded the criminal irresponsibility of their client.

Technical legal term.

Certains philosophes plaident que la liberté est une illusion.

Some philosophers argue that freedom is an illusion.

Plaider que + philosophical proposition.

Elle a plaidé avec brio une cause qui semblait perdue d'avance.

She brilliantly pleaded a cause that seemed lost in advance.

Plaider avec brio (with brilliance).

Le diplomate a plaidé la cause de son pays devant l'assemblée.

The diplomat pleaded his country's cause before the assembly.

Plaider devant (before an audience).

Tout plaide en faveur d'une résolution pacifique du conflit.

Everything argues in favor of a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Indefinite pronoun 'tout' as subject.

Il ne suffit pas de plaider, il faut agir.

It is not enough to plead; one must act.

Infinitive as subject/object of 'suffire'.

L'avocat général a plaidé la culpabilité avec une rigueur implacable.

The prosecutor pleaded guilt with implacable rigor.

L'avocat général (prosecutor in higher courts).

Cette œuvre plaide pour une esthétique de la rupture.

This work advocates for an aesthetic of rupture/break.

Metaphorical use in art criticism.

Il s'agit de plaider le dossier au fond, et non sur la forme.

It is a matter of pleading the case on its merits, and not on technicalities.

Au fond vs. sur la forme (legal distinction).

La rareté de la ressource plaide pour une régulation stricte.

The scarcity of the resource argues for strict regulation.

Abstract necessity as 'pleading'.

L'histoire plaidera pour ceux qui ont osé résister.

History will plead for those who dared to resist.

Personification of history.

Elle a plaidé la circonstance atténuante du contexte socio-économique.

She pleaded the extenuating circumstance of the socio-economic context.

Technical legal term: circonstance atténuante.

Rien ne saurait plaider en faveur d'un tel renoncement.

Nothing could possibly argue in favor of such a renunciation.

Saurait (conditional of savoir) used as 'could'.

Le texte semble plaider pour une lecture polyphonique des événements.

The text seems to advocate for a polyphonic reading of events.

Literary analysis context.

Colocaciones comunes

Plaider coupable

Plaider la cause

Plaider l'innocence

Plaider pour

Plaider en faveur de

Plaider l'ignorance

Plaider sa propre cause

Plaider la relaxe

Plaider non coupable

Plaider l'indulgence

Frases Comunes

Plaider le faux pour savoir le vrai

— To say something false to get someone to reveal the truth. It is a common strategy in debates or investigations.

J'ai plaidé le faux pour savoir le vrai, et il a fini par avouer.

Plaider sa cause

— To defend one's interests or explain one's actions. It can be used in any context, from family to work.

Laisse-moi plaider ma cause avant de me punir.

Plaider pour sa paroisse

— To speak or act in one's own interest or for one's own group. It implies a bit of bias.

Il plaide pour sa paroisse en demandant plus de budget pour son service.

Plaider la bonne foi

— To argue that one acted honestly and without intending to do wrong. A common defense in business and law.

Il a plaidé la bonne foi, affirmant qu'il ne connaissait pas la règle.

Plaider non recevable

— A legal term meaning that a case or argument cannot be heard or accepted by the court.

Le juge a déclaré la demande non recevable.

Plaider par écrit

— To present arguments through documents rather than speaking in person.

Dans cette procédure, les avocats doivent plaider par écrit.

Plaider devant le tribunal

— The act of a lawyer speaking in court to defend their client.

Il a l'habitude de plaider devant le tribunal de grande instance.

Plaider la folie

— To argue that someone is not responsible for their actions due to mental illness.

La défense a décidé de plaider la folie.

Plaider contre vents et marées

— To continue to argue for something despite great opposition or difficulty.

Il continue de plaider pour ce projet contre vents et marées.

Plaider une affaire

— To handle and argue a specific legal case.

C'est un grand avocat qui a plaidé des affaires célèbres.

Se confunde a menudo con

plaider vs Plaindre

Plaindre means to pity or feel sorry for someone. Plaider means to argue for them.

plaider vs Prier

Prier means to pray or to ask politely. Plaider is a formal argument.

plaider vs Supplier

Supplier means to beg desperately. Plaider is intellectual advocacy.

Modismos y expresiones

"Plaider le faux pour savoir le vrai"

— Using deception to uncover the truth. It suggests a tactical approach to conversation.

En l'accusant à tort, elle a plaidé le faux pour savoir le vrai.

Neutral/Informal

"Plaider pour sa paroisse"

— To advocate for one's own interests or those of one's group, often used critically.

Bien sûr qu'il veut cette loi, il plaide pour sa paroisse !

Informal

"Plaider la cause du diable"

— To take an unpopular or 'evil' side for the sake of argument (Devil's Advocate).

Je vais plaider la cause du diable juste pour tester tes arguments.

Neutral

"Plaider coupable d'avance"

— To admit one's faults before even being accused, often used humorously.

Je plaide coupable d'avance : j'ai mangé tout le gâteau.

Informal

"Plaider la misère"

— To complain about having no money, often to get a discount or avoid paying.

Il plaide la misère pour ne pas payer sa part de l'addition.

Informal

"Plaider l'impossible"

— To argue for something that has no chance of succeeding or happening.

Vouloir convaincre ce chef, c'est plaider l'impossible.

Neutral

"Plaider sa main"

— An old or rare expression meaning to offer one's hand in marriage (advocating for the union).

Il est allé plaider sa main auprès de son père.

Literary/Archaic

"Plaider à perdre haleine"

— To argue or plead so intensely and for so long that one is out of breath.

Elle a plaidé sa cause à perdre haleine pendant deux heures.

Literary

"Plaider la circonstance"

— To argue that the specific situation justifies the actions taken.

Il a plaidé la circonstance pour expliquer son retard.

Neutral

"Plaider le dossier"

— To speak about the facts of a situation in a very organized, lawyer-like way.

Laisse-moi plaider le dossier avant que tu ne décides.

Professional

Fácil de confundir

plaider vs Plier

Similar spelling and sound.

Plier means to fold (paper, clothes). Plaider means to plead a case.

Je plie ma chemise. / Je plaide ma cause.

plaider vs Plaider vs. Argumenter

Both involve reasons.

Argumenter is the process of using logic. Plaider is the act of defending a specific side/cause.

Il argumente bien, mais il ne sait pas plaider avec passion.

plaider vs Plaider vs. Soutenir

Both mean support.

Soutenir is general support. Plaider is specifically about the verbal/rhetorical defense.

Je soutiens ton projet. / Je vais plaider pour ton projet en réunion.

plaider vs Plaider vs. Préconiser

Both suggest a direction.

Préconiser is to recommend a solution. Plaider is to defend a position.

Le médecin préconise le repos. / L'avocat plaide l'innocence.

plaider vs Plaider vs. Invoquer

Both used in legal contexts.

Invoquer is to cite a law or a reason. Plaider is the whole speech/defense.

Il invoque l'article 10 pour plaider sa cause.

Patrones de oraciones

Sujet + plaide + pour + Nom

Je plaide pour la nature.

Sujet + a plaidé + Adjectif

Il a plaidé coupable.

Sujet + plaide + la cause de + Quelqu'un

Elle plaide la cause des animaux.

Sujet + plaide + que + Phrase

L'avocat plaide qu'il n'y a pas de preuves.

Sujet + plaide + en faveur de + Nom

Le rapport plaide en faveur d'une réforme.

Sujet + plaide + l'ignorance / la bonne foi

Il plaide l'ignorance pour éviter l'amende.

Tout + plaide + pour + Nom

Tout plaide pour une réconciliation.

Plaider + le faux + pour + savoir + le vrai

Il a plaidé le faux pour savoir le vrai.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

plaidoirie (closing argument)

plaidoyer (defense speech/advocacy)

plaidant (litigant/pleader)

plainte (complaint - related root)

Verbos

replaider (to plead again)

Adjetivos

plaidable (pleadable/defensible)

Relacionado

avocat

tribunal

cause

défense

procès

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

High in news, medium-high in literature, medium in casual conversation.

Errores comunes

Il plaide sa femme de rester. → Il supplie sa femme de rester.
You cannot 'plaider' a person to do something; 'plaider' is for arguments, not begging.
Je vais plaider être innocent. → Je vais plaider l'innocence.
Plaider is followed by a noun or 'coupable/non coupable', not 'être + adjective'.
L'avocat plaide à la cour. → L'avocat plaide devant la cour.
In French, you plead 'before' (devant) a court or jury.
Je me plaide de mon voisin. → Je me plains de mon voisin.
Confusion with 'se plaindre' (to complain). 'Plaider' is not reflexive in this context.
Plaider pour sa paroisse (used for a literal church). → Plaider pour sa paroisse (used metaphorically).
This is an idiom for self-interest, not usually for literal religious advocacy.

Consejos

No 'être' with 'coupable'

Always say 'plaider coupable', never 'plaider être coupable'. It's a fixed legal expression.

Plaider vs. Plaindre

Remember: 'Plaider' has an 'ai' like 'aimer' (to love/defend), 'Plaindre' has an 'ain' like 'faim' (hunger/pity).

Elevate your speech

Use 'plaider' instead of 'dire' when you want to show you are making a serious argument.

The Art of Eloquence

In France, 'plaider' is linked to the tradition of rhetoric. Speak with conviction when you use it!

Plaider pour

Use 'pour' for causes and 'en faveur de' for people or formal policies.

La Relaxe

If you are 'plaidant la relaxe', you are asking for the defendant to be cleared of all charges.

Plaider sa cause

This is the most useful phrase for daily life. Use it when explaining yourself to a boss or friend.

Silent R

The final 'r' in 'plaider' is never pronounced. It sounds like 'play-day' in English.

Not for begging

If you are crying and asking for mercy, you are 'suppliant', not 'plaidant'.

Passé Composé

Remember it uses 'avoir'. 'Il a plaidé' is the standard past form.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Plaid' suit. Imagine a lawyer wearing a plaid suit while they plaider (plead) their case in court. The pattern of the suit is complex, just like their arguments.

Asociación visual

Visualize a large wooden podium in a French courtroom. On the podium is a sign that says 'PLAIDER'. A person is standing there, pointing at a map and arguing for a new park.

Word Web

Plaider Avocat Cause Tribunal Défendre Plaidoirie Coupable Argument

Desafío

Try to write three sentences: one about a lawyer, one about the environment, and one about a personal excuse, all using the verb 'plaider'.

Origen de la palabra

From the Old French 'plaidier', which comes from 'plaid' (a court, a hearing, or a formal agreement).

Significado original: To go to court or to hold a court session.

Romance (Latin: 'placitum' - that which is pleasing, an agreed-upon decision).

Contexto cultural

Always ensure 'plaider' is used for arguments, not for begging, to avoid sounding overly dramatic or incorrect in social situations.

While 'plead' in English often sounds desperate, 'plaider' in French sounds more formal and calculated.

The Dreyfus Affair (where Zola and others 'plaidèrent' for justice). Robert Badinter's famous 'plaidoirie' against the death penalty in 1981. The movie 'Le Brio' (2017) which focuses on the art of the 'plaidoirie'.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Courtroom

Plaider l'innocence
Plaider coupable
Plaider la relaxe
Plaider devant le jury

Politics

Plaider pour une réforme
Plaider la cause nationale
Plaider en faveur de l'écologie
Plaider pour le changement

Personal Life

Plaider sa cause
Plaider l'ignorance
Plaider la bonne foi
Plaider coupable (figuratively)

Academia

Plaider pour une nouvelle théorie
Plaider que les faits sont clairs
Plaider la nécessité de recherches
Plaider en faveur d'une méthode

Media

L'éditorial plaide pour...
Le journaliste plaide la cause de...
Plaider le dossier
Plaider avec conviction

Inicios de conversación

"Pour quelle cause aimerais-tu plaider devant le gouvernement ?"

"As-tu déjà dû plaider ta cause pour obtenir quelque chose d'important ?"

"Penses-tu qu'il est plus facile de plaider pour soi-même ou pour les autres ?"

"Si tu étais avocat, quel type de dossiers aimerais-tu plaider ?"

"Dans quel cas est-il acceptable de plaider l'ignorance ?"

Temas para diario

Décrivez une situation où vous avez dû plaider votre cause auprès de vos parents ou de votre patron.

Imaginez que vous êtes un avocat célèbre. Écrivez le début de votre discours pour plaider l'innocence d'un client.

Plaidez pour un changement dans votre ville ou votre pays. Quels sont vos arguments principaux ?

Est-il toujours honnête de plaider la bonne foi ? Analysez une situation complexe.

Réfléchissez à une cause mondiale pour laquelle vous aimeriez plaider chaque jour.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No. In French, 'plaider' is strictly for arguing a case or advocating. To beg, use 'supplier' or 'prier'.

No, while it is a legal term, it is used by anyone advocating for a cause, like an activist pleading for the environment.

'Plaider pour' is more common and direct. 'Plaider en faveur de' is slightly more formal and elegant.

You say 'plaider coupable'. Do not use 'être'.

Yes, it is a regular -er verb (first group), following the pattern of 'aimer' or 'parler'.

It means 'to claim ignorance' as a defense or excuse for one's actions.

Yes, you can 'plaider par écrit', though it usually implies the content of the arguments rather than the physical act of writing.

A 'plaidoirie' is the noun form, meaning the closing speech or oral argument made by a lawyer.

Yes, metaphorically. 'La météo plaide pour un départ immédiat' (The weather argues for an immediate departure).

Yes, very often. Politicians 'plaident pour' reforms or 'plaident la cause' of their constituents.

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas