PLEAD IGNORANCE Meaning and
Definition
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The idiomatic expression "plead ignorance" refers to the act of deliberately feigning or claiming lack of knowledge, usually as a defense or excuse for one’s actions or lack thereof. When someone pleads ignorance, they profess to be ignorant or uninformed about a certain matter, often to evade responsibility, accountability, or blame.
This phrase typically implies that the individual in question is fully aware of the facts or circumstances but chooses to act as if they are unaware. It is commonly used in scenarios where someone is being accused of negligence, negligence or wrongdoing, and seeks to avoid any repercussions by pretending to have no knowledge of the situation. By pleading ignorance, individuals attempt to disclaim any involvement, evade punishment, or shirk their obligations.
The notion of pleading ignorance is often seen as a dubious defense because it requires the exploitation of a lack of evidence or clarity in order to avoid admitting guilt or facing consequences for one's actions. It can be considered a manipulative tactic when deployed intentionally and insincerely.
This expression is particularly prevalent in legal and ethical contexts, where it is utilized by individuals who wish to avoid accountability by pretending that they did not have knowledge or awareness of an important fact or event. Overall, the act of pleading ignorance implies a deliberate act of pretending to be unaware as an attempt to escape responsibility or face any negative consequences.
Common Misspellings for PLEAD IGNORANCE
- olead ignorance
- llead ignorance
- -lead ignorance
- 0lead ignorance
- pkead ignorance
- ppead ignorance
- poead ignorance
- plwad ignorance
- plsad ignorance
- pldad ignorance
- plrad ignorance
- pl4ad ignorance
- pl3ad ignorance
- plezd ignorance
- plesd ignorance
- plewd ignorance
- pleqd ignorance
- pleas ignorance
- pleax ignorance
- pleac ignorance
Etymology of PLEAD IGNORANCE
The phrase "plead ignorance" is composed of two separate words: "plead" and "ignorance".
The word "plead" comes from the Old French word "plaidier", meaning "to present a legal case" or "to argue in court". It later entered Middle English as "pleden" with a similar meaning. Over time, "plead" expanded its usage to denote making an argument or appeal beyond just legal contexts.
The term "ignorance" originates from the Latin word "ignorantia", meaning "lack of knowledge" or "not knowing". It entered Middle English through Old French as "ignorance", maintaining the same meaning.
When combined, the phrase "plead ignorance" suggests the act of claiming or asserting one's lack of knowledge or understanding as a defense or excuse.
