intercede
C1formal, literary, diplomatic, legal
Definition
Meaning
to intervene or speak on behalf of someone else, especially to help resolve a disagreement or problem.
To act as a mediator or go-between in a conflict; to plead or petition in favor of another person.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Strongly implies intervening in a conflict or dispute where one party is in trouble or at a disadvantage. Focuses on mediating between two opposing parties or pleading with a higher authority on behalf of someone else.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. The word is more common in formal/legal/diplomatic contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Same formal, diplomatic connotations in both regions. Slightly archaic/religious flavor in some contexts (e.g., interceding with God).
Frequency
Low to mid-frequency in formal contexts. Similar overall frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
S + V + with + NP (authority) + on behalf of + NP (person)S + V + in + NP (dispute/conflict)S + V + for + NP (person)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to act as a peacemaker”
- “to plead someone's case”
- “to go to bat for someone”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly used in high-level disputes or HR mediation (e.g., 'The CEO interceded in the boardroom conflict.').
Academic
Used in historical, political, or legal texts regarding mediation and conflict resolution.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Used in more serious family or community disputes.
Technical
Primarily used in legal and diplomatic language (international relations, law).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The ambassador was asked to intercede in the hostage crisis.
- She felt obliged to intercede on her colleague's behalf with the management.
American English
- The senator interceded with the governor for a pardon.
- My lawyer had to intercede in the contract dispute.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Too complex for A2 – concept not typically taught.)
- My mother interceded for me when I was in trouble.
- He had to intercede in the argument between his friends.
- The union leader interceded with management on behalf of the dismissed workers.
- She refused to intercede in their personal dispute, saying it was not her place.
- The papal nuncio was tasked with interceding in the delicate diplomatic standoff.
- Historians note his constant attempts to intercede with the king for more lenient treatment of prisoners.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CEDE (give way) road between two people arguing. You step IN BETWEEN (INTER) them on the CEDE road to make them give way to peace. INTER-CEDE.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONFLICT IS A PHYSICAL SPACE (stepping into it). MEDIATION IS A PLEA TO AUTHORITY.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'intercept' (перехватить).
- Closer to 'ходатайствовать' or 'вступиться' rather than просто 'посредничать'.
- Requires a clear structure: intercede WITH [authority] FOR/ON BEHALF OF [person].
Common Mistakes
- Using it without an object or specified parties (e.g., 'He interceded.' – unclear).
- Confusing with 'intervene' (broader) or 'intercept' (stop something moving).
- Incorrect preposition: 'intercede to someone' (should be WITH someone).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'intercede' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Intervene' is broader and means to become involved in any situation to change it. 'Intercede' specifically means to intervene on behalf of someone, usually by pleading with an authority figure in a dispute.
Yes, it is common in religious language, meaning to pray to God on behalf of others (e.g., 'The saint intercedes for the faithful').
It is primarily intransitive. You intercede *with* someone *for* someone/*in* something. It is not used as 'He interceded her.'
No, it is a formal word. In everyday situations, people are more likely to say 'step in', 'speak up for someone', or 'put in a good word'.