intercession
C2 (Very low frequency)Formal, religious, diplomatic
Definition
Meaning
The act of intervening or pleading on behalf of someone else.
A formal or spiritual request made to a higher power, especially God, to help or show favour to someone.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically implies a formal, authoritative, or spiritual intervention. Often carries connotations of mediation, advocacy, or prayerful intervention.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Slightly more common in American religious contexts due to different denominational vocabulary.
Connotations
Similar connotations of formal pleading and mediation in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in general usage in both UK and US English, slightly higher frequency in American English within specific Christian denominations.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
intercession for someoneintercession on behalf of someoneintercession with someone (e.g., with God)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None commonly associated”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Extremely rare. Might appear in formal negotiations as 'diplomatic intercession'.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, and historical texts discussing mediation.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation.
Technical
Primarily a theological term; also appears in formal diplomatic or legal mediation contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The priest will intercede for the congregation.
American English
- She interceded with the governor on the prisoner's behalf.
adverb
British English
- The saint is believed to act intercessorily for the faithful.
American English
- He prayed intercessorily for his family.
adjective
British English
- He offered an intercessory prayer.
American English
- The church held an intercessory service.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The community made an intercession for peace.
- The ambassador's intercession helped to avoid a diplomatic crisis.
- In Catholic theology, the intercession of saints is a fundamental element of devotional practice.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a priest standing INTER the church SESSION, praying for others in the middle of the service.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIDGING THE GAP (acting as a bridge between two parties, especially between humanity and the divine).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'посредничество' (mediation) which is more neutral/secular. 'Intercession' often has a stronger religious connotation like 'ходатайство' or 'заступничество'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'intersession' (which means between academic sessions).
- Using it as a synonym for simple 'intervention' without the connotation of pleading or advocacy.
Practice
Quiz
Which word is NOT a strong synonym for 'intercession'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it is most common in religious contexts. It can also be used in formal secular contexts like diplomacy or law, meaning a formal plea or mediation.
'Intercession' specifically involves pleading or asking on someone's behalf, often to a higher authority. 'Intervention' is broader and means becoming involved in any situation to change it, without the necessary connotation of pleading.
No, the word itself is a noun. The related verb is 'to intercede'.
Yes, 'make an intercession' is a standard and strong collocation, especially in religious contexts.