appeal
noun (countable)
UK/əˈpiːl/US/əˈpil/
A process for requesting a formal change to an official decision, typically in a court of law.
Example Sentences
After being found guilty, he decided to file an appeal to contest the verdict.
The defense attorney submitted an appeal citing procedural errors during the trial.
She won her case and the judge dismissed the appeal.
The appellate court will review the evidence presented in the initial trial.
They are preparing to launch an appeal against the lower court's decision.
The defendant's lawyer argued that new evidence should be considered in the appeal.
Following the appeal, the original sentence was reduced.
The legal team is working diligently to strengthen their appeal for a retrial.
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verb (transitive)
UK/əˈpiːl/US/əˈpil/
In law, to apply to a higher court for a reversal of the decision of a lower court.
Example Sentences
She decided to appeal her conviction to a higher court.
The defense team appealed the judge's ruling based on new evidence.
After the trial, he filed an appeal to contest the sentencing decision.
They are preparing to appeal the lower court's verdict on the case.
The company plans to appeal the regulatory decision that affected its operations.
He appealed the administrative decision, arguing that it was unjust.
The defendant's attorney believes there are grounds to appeal the conviction.
Following the appeal, the appellate court will review the trial proceedings for any errors.
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How to Use
A formal or earnest request to gain support, change a decision, or capture interest.“Appeal” can function as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it describes a serious plea or request—like “an appeal for donations” or “his appeal to the jury.” As a verb, it indicates the act of seeking help or agreement from others—e.g., “They appealed to the public for information.” In law, an “appeal” is a formal process of requesting a higher court to review or overturn a judgment. The underlying theme is always that one party is asking for support, reconsideration, or action to achieve a specific outcome. For instance, a charity might ‘appeal to community members’ by highlighting a cause, encouraging them to donate or volunteer. In advertising or marketing, companies often craft “emotional appeals” that tug at feelings, aiming to persuade consumers. In everyday conversation, saying “this appeals to me” signals personal admiration or attraction toward something—maybe a design, an idea, or a place. No matter the context—legal, emotional, or personal—“appeal” suggests a request or attraction that hopes to sway opinion or prompt action. If you’re using it, clarify what kind of response or support is being requested, and from whom. Showing rationale—like explaining why you need help—generally strengthens your appeal, making it more compelling. Even in casual dialogue, phrases like “I’m appealing to your sense of fairness” highlight that you’re reaching out for empathy or cooperation. Overall, “appeal” underscores an intent to influence, persuade, or seek a higher authority’s input, keeping the focus on earnestness or strong motivation behind the request.
Alternatives
Depending on the nuance, synonyms or related expressions offer slight variations. “Plea” tends toward a stronger, more emotional or urgent request. “Petition” implies a formal submission of reasons or signatures, typically for legal or administrative matters. “Request” is a neutral, straightforward alternative for asking. If you want to stress persuasion aimed at emotions, “entreaty” or “implore” might better fit, underscoring a desperate or heartfelt tone. In law, you may see “challenge” or “reconsideration,” which detail a specific legal mechanism or motion. For marketing contexts, “attract” and “resonate with” highlight the idea of consumer appeal without framing it as a request. Each synonym or phrase emphasizes some dimension of desire for a positive reaction or support, so choose based on formality, intensity, and context of your communication.
Writing
In formal or academic writing, “appeal” often indicates a structured call for action, assistance, or review. For instance, a policy paper might say, “We appeal to legislators to consider new funding avenues,” or a legal text might outline “the defendant’s appeal process.” Clarity is key: specify the grounds for the appeal and the desired outcome, such as reversing a judgment, gaining resources, or influencing public opinion. Adding context—like evidence, urgency, or ethical dimensions—reinforces why the appeal is warranted.When writing narratives or creative works, you might use “appeal” to show how a character makes a heartfelt plea—“She made one final appeal to save the community center.” Depicting body language, tone, or emotional stakes can enrich that scene, revealing motivation and tension. In persuasive essays, “appeal” frequently ties to rhetorical strategies: “emotional appeal” (pathos), “ethical appeal” (ethos), and “logical appeal” (logos). By identifying which type of appeal you’re using, you structure arguments to influence the reader effectively. Whether rhetorical, legal, or personal, the writing’s clarity about the nature of the request ensures readers grasp both the method and the intended impact.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “appeal” most commonly appears when describing how something feels attractive or persuasive. “That new café really appeals to me” suggests it has qualities you like. When you need help, you might jokingly say, “I’m appealing to your better nature—please cover my shift.” Such phrasing often emphasizes sincerity or a touch of playful exaggeration. Friends may discuss why a new trend or hobby appeals to them—“Hiking appeals to me because I love nature,” highlighting the personal draw or interest. If a friend is trying to sway someone else’s opinion, you could ask, “What’s your appeal here?” meaning how they plan to persuade or what they’re requesting. These casual uses often revolve around personal preference or simple requests, grounded in light, everyday interactions. You might hear remarks like, “If that doesn’t appeal to you, we can try something else,” ensuring that a suggestion aligns with group preferences. Or, “No appeal there, sorry!” if a friend rejects an activity. This everyday usage fosters open, flexible dialogue about likes and dislikes or short-term decisions, always referencing that something about the topic might—or might not—resonate with someone’s interests or values.
Etymology
The word “appeal” comes from the Latin “appellare,” which originally meant “to address, speak to, or call upon.” Over time, Old French adapted it to “apeler,” and eventually Middle English took on “appeal,” shaping its modern sense of making a formal request or calling for a higher review—especially in legal matters. Early legal practices involved “appeals” to higher authorities, reinforcing the notion of seeking help or reexamination. Its broader usage expanded to everyday contexts: a consumer product might “appeal to” a demographic, or an idea might “appeal to” personal preferences. Through centuries, the essence remained: appealing is about reaching out for acceptance, agreement, or help. Whether invoked in a courtroom or casual talk, “appeal” still carries that core root meaning of calling upon someone’s judgment, sympathy, or interest to achieve alignment or assistance.
