DictionaryRoot: ad-
Latin

ad-

to, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

Forms

  • ad-
  • ac- — Used before c in Latin.
  • af- — Used before f in Latin.
  • ag- — Used before g in Latin.
  • al- — Used before l in Latin.
  • ap- — Used before p in Latin.
  • ar- — Used before r in Latin.
  • as- — Used before s in Latin.
  • at- — Used before t in Latin.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *ad, ‘to; near.’

Note

Later Latin-based spellings sometimes restored consonants that had disappeared in French.

160 / 256
noun / verb

appeal

uh-PEEL/əˈpiːl/

A request addressed to someone with power to help or decide.

The organizer makes an earnest appeal for help rebuilding the damaged playground.

A Latina community organizer earnestly asks a small diverse gathering for help rebuilding a damaged playground.
Etymology

The move from “drive toward” to “address someone” probably reflects a nautical image of bringing a ship toward a landing. Calling on a higher authority then underlies the request for help or reconsideration.

In context

Criminal Defense Law Uncovered1:28
If the judge made incorrect rulings regarding evidence or witness testimony, these errors may provide grounds for an appeal.
How Can A Criminal Trial Verdict Be Overturned On Appeal? - Criminal Defense Law Uncovered

More examples

  • She appealed the court's decision.
  • Residents appeal to the council for better lighting.
  • The judge rejected his final appeal.

Forms

appeal · appeals · appealed · appealing

Similar words

request
A general asking without necessarily urgency or higher authority.
petition
Often a formal written request supported by multiple people.