This is the 3112th most frequent French word.
plaider
To plead or to advocate.
Used legally to mean arguing a case or defending legally.
L'avocat a plaidé en faveur de son client devant le tribunal.
The lawyer argued in favor of his client before the court.
Used more generally to mean advocating or supporting.
Elle a plaidé pour une approbation rapide du projet.
She advocated for a swift approval of the project.
Used conversationally to mean suggesting or pushing for something.