intercede

/,intə'si:d/

Thân thiện

The teacher interceded to help the two students resolve their argument.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To intervene or act between two or more parties, especially in a dispute or conflict, with the aim of reconciling differences, settling a disagreement, or pleading on someone's behalf.

Usage

The verb "intercede" is used to describe the action of stepping into a situation to help resolve it or to ask for help or mercy for someone else. It implies acting as an intermediary or a peacemaker. - It is typically followed by the preposition "in" when referring to intervening in a specific situation or dispute. - It is followed by the preposition "for" or "on behalf of" when referring to pleading or asking for help for a specific person. - It is often used in formal or serious contexts involving conflict, negotiation, or appeals for clemency.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The teacher had to intercede in the argument between the two students to prevent a fight.
  • A neutral diplomat was asked to intercede in the peace talks.
  • She interceded with the manager for her colleague, who was facing unfair dismissal.
  • He interceded on behalf of the prisoner, asking the governor for a reduced sentence.

Advanced Usage

• "to intercede with someone (for someone/something)": To make a request or plea to a person in authority on behalf of another person or for a particular cause.
  • The lawyer interceded with the judge for a more lenient sentence.
• "to intercede in a matter": To become involved in a specific issue or dispute to try to resolve it.
  • The United Nations may intercede in international conflicts.

Variants and Related Words

• Intercession (n): The act of interceding; a prayer or plea on behalf of another.
  • Her intercession helped resolve the long-standing feud.
• Intercessor (n): A person who intercedes.
  • He acted as an intercessor between the warring factions.

Synonyms

• Mediate: To intervene between people in a dispute to help them reach an agreement. (Focuses more on facilitating a settlement.)
• Intervene: To become involved in a situation to alter its course or prevent something. (Broader term; can be less focused on reconciliation.)
• Arbitrate: To officially settle a dispute between parties. (More formal, often with a binding decision.)
• Plead: To make an emotional or earnest appeal for someone or something. (Focuses on the act of asking, not necessarily mediating.)

Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Intercede" is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically expressed through prepositional phrases as shown in the usage section.)

Related Idioms

• To act as a go-between: To serve as an intermediary or messenger between two parties. (This phrase captures the role of an intercessor.)
  • During the negotiations, she acted as a go-between for the two companies.

Học thuật

Verb

1. act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
   • He interceded in the family dispute
   • He mediated a settlement

Từ đồng nghĩa

• mediate
• intermediate
• liaise
• arbitrate