EEngVocabularyEnglish vocabulary

Words / B1

verb · B1

Appeal

uh-PEEL/əˈpiːl/

To appeal can mean to attract someone, or to ask formally for help or a legal change: the idea appeals to students; appeal for donations; appeal against a decision. Attract is the everyday twin for the first sense; plead is more emotional. Learn the prepositions: appeal for money / help; appeal against a ban / verdict; appeal to an audience. An appeal (noun) is the request or the attractive quality. Do not write “appeal a decision” in UK English without against in many exam contexts — appeal against is the safe pattern.

Meaning

To attract or interest someone, or to ask formally for help or a change (appeal for / against).

Examples

  • “The charity appealed for money after the floods.”
  • “The design appeals to younger voters.”
  • “The club appealed against the fine and won a replay.”

Good to know

appeal to someone (attract). appeal for help / money. appeal against a decision. Noun: an appeal.

Near in meaning

attract

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