Definition
- To make a request or plea to someone in authority or the public for a decision or action; to ask for help or support. 2. To be attractive, interesting, or compelling to someone; to evoke a positive or favorable response.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun and verb
Synonyms
- Ask, request, implore, petition, beseech, solicit, call for, beg, plead. 2. Attract, entice, interest, charm, captivate, fascinate, enchant, lure.
Antonyms
- Refuse, deny, reject, repel, discourage. 2. Repel, deter, bore, repulse.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | appeal, appeals, appellants, appellant |
| Verb | appeal, appeals, appealing, appealed |
| Adjective | appellant, appealable |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The heartfelt plea made by the charity organization appealed to the public’s generosity, resulting in a surge of donations.
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The defense attorney delivered a compelling closing argument, appealing to the jury’s sense of justice and urging them to acquit the defendant.
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The picturesque scenery and serene atmosphere of the coastal town have an undeniable appeal to tourists seeking a relaxing getaway.
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The new advertising campaign utilized captivating visuals and persuasive messaging to appeal to a broader audience and boost sales.
Usage
“Appeal” is a versatile word that can be used in different contexts as a noun or verb. As a verb, it can be used to describe the act of making a request or plea to someone in authority or the public for a decision or action. In legal contexts, it can also refer to the process of asking for a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court. The word is commonly used in situations where someone is seeking help or support, such as when a charity appeals for donations or when a person appeals to their friends for assistance.
As a noun, “appeal” can refer to the request or plea itself or the power to attract or interest someone. In legal contexts, it can refer to the process of asking a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court. “Appeal” can also be used to describe the quality of something that makes it attractive or interesting to someone, such as the appeal of a person’s personality or the appeal of a product’s design.
The word “appeal” has a few different origins, but its modern sense of “attractiveness” or “enticement” comes from its use in legal contexts. In the Middle Ages, a “court of appeal” was a court that reviewed decisions made by lower courts, and the word “appeal” was used to describe the act of bringing a case before such a court. Over time, the word’s meaning evolved to include its current sense of attractiveness or compelling nature.
Overall, “appeal” is a useful word for expressing the act of requesting or pleading for something, as well as describing the quality of something that makes it attractive or compelling to others. Its various synonyms and antonyms make it a versatile word for use in both formal and informal settings.