APPEAL

Definition of APPEAL

APPEAL Noun and Verb

Main Meaning: Appeal can be both a noun and a verb, with meanings that span legal, emotional, and communicative contexts. As a verb, it means to make a formal request or plea, often for support, help, or a decision to be reconsidered. As a noun, it refers to the act of requesting or the quality of being attractive or persuasive to others.

APPEAL as a noun

Main Meaning: Appeal is a noun that refers to a request or an earnest plea for something, often seeking a favorable outcome or reconsideration. It is commonly used in contexts where someone asks for help, mercy, or support, or when they are appealing to a higher authority or entity to reconsider a decision. Appeal can also refer to the attractiveness or quality of something that draws interest or admiration, such as a product, a cause, or an idea.

Request or Plea for Reconsideration: In its legal context, an appeal is a formal request made to a higher court or authority to review a decision made by a lower court or body. This process allows individuals or parties who feel wronged by a ruling to seek a reassessment, aiming for a different verdict. For example, an individual who is convicted of a crime may file an appeal to a higher court, requesting that the decision be overturned or modified. The term in this context highlights the procedural nature of seeking a second review of a decision in the pursuit of justice or fairness.

Attractiveness or Charisma: In a more general sense, appeal can also refer to the attractiveness or qualities of something that make it appealing or desirable. For example, a product with strong appeal has qualities that make it attractive to consumers, such as its design, functionality, or unique features. Similarly, a cause or a person may possess an appeal that resonates with others, evoking interest or admiration. The term here emphasizes the positive attraction or charm that something or someone possesses, which may make it more enticing, engaging, or influential.

Legal and Formal Contexts: In legal contexts, appeal refers to the formal process of seeking a higher authority’s intervention to reconsider a decision made by a lower court, agency, or entity. This process is governed by specific legal protocols and procedures, where the appellant (the person or party appealing) submits grounds or reasons for why the decision should be changed. Legal appeals typically focus on alleged errors in law or procedure that may have affected the fairness of the original decision.

APPEAL as a verb

Main Meaning: As a verb, appeal refers to the act of making a formal request or plea for a favorable outcome or reconsideration. It can also describe the act of invoking a higher power or authority, such as appealing to someone’s sense of justice or moral principles. Additionally, appeal as a verb can mean to attract or draw interest, often in the context of something or someone evoking a positive emotional response or admiration.

Request or Plea: When used as a verb, appeal means to ask formally or earnestly for something, typically a change or reconsideration. This usage is often seen in legal contexts (as mentioned earlier), where an individual or party seeks a review of a lower court’s decision. It can also be used more generally, such as when someone appeals to a person for assistance, mercy, or support. The verb form emphasizes the act of requesting or calling for action from others in a formal or serious manner.

Attract or Draw Interest: Appeal can also be used to describe the act of attracting or drawing attention due to certain qualities. For example, a movie or advertisement might appeal to a specific audience, meaning it has qualities that resonate with them or grab their attention. Similarly, an idea or proposal might appeal to people if it addresses their needs or values. In this sense, the verb refers to the action of creating interest or eliciting a positive emotional response, whether from individuals or groups.

Emotional or Moral Plea: As a verb, appeal can also mean to make an emotional or moral request, particularly to someone’s higher ideals or sense of justice. For instance, a charity might appeal to the public’s sense of compassion to donate to a cause, or a defendant in court might appeal to the jury’s sense of fairness. In this context, the verb highlights the emotional or moral element of the request, seeking a response based on empathy, sympathy, or fairness.

In conclusion, appeal serves multiple roles as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it can refer to a formal request for reconsideration, an attractive quality, or a plea for help or support. As a verb, it represents the action of making such a request or invoking an emotional or intellectual response from others. Whether in legal, personal, or marketing contexts, appeal encapsulates the act of seeking change, support, or attention based on a specific request or the inherent qualities that attract others. Whether appealing to a higher court, a moral conscience, or simply evoking admiration, appeal is central to influencing, persuading, or attracting people in various ways.

Examples of APPEAL in a sentence

APPEAL as a noun in a sentence

• The charity made an appeal for donations to support the victims of the natural disaster.
• The lawyer filed an appeal to challenge the court’s decision on the case.
• The appeal of the new video game lies in its engaging storyline and realistic graphics.
• She made a public appeal to raise awareness about the environmental issues affecting the community.
• His appeal for leniency was rejected by the judge, who upheld the original sentence.
• The appeal of the luxury brand is rooted in its exclusivity and high-quality craftsmanship.
• There was a strong appeal to the audience in the way the speaker presented the topic, making it both educational and entertaining.
• The appeal of the concert was enhanced by the talented musicians and the intimate venue.

APPEAL as a verb in a sentence

• She decided to appeal the decision, believing that the ruling was unfair.
• The charity is looking to appeal to the public for more support and donations.
• The team will appeal the referee’s decision, hoping for a change in the outcome of the match.
• The new product is designed to appeal to a younger audience with its trendy design and features.
• His emotional speech seemed to appeal to the crowd, inspiring them to take action.
• The case will appeal to higher courts, where it will be re-examined by a panel of judges.
• The bright colors and unique design of the advertisement appeal to customers in the store.
• The organization hopes to appeal to lawmakers to pass stricter environmental regulations.

Origin of APPEAL

The term appeal has a rich etymological history, moving from its legal origins to broader meanings in everyday language.

Semantic Context: Appeal refers to the act of formally requesting a review or reconsideration of a decision, particularly in a legal context, or it can refer to an earnest request for help, support, or a change. Additionally, appeal can describe something that attracts or interests people, such as an object or a person that is emotionally or aesthetically pleasing.

• Etymological Roots: The word appeal comes from the Old French “appeler,” meaning “to call” or “to summon.” The term was borrowed into English in the 14th century and derives from the Latin “appellare,” meaning “to call upon” or “to address.” In its original sense, it referred to the act of calling upon a higher authority, such as a court, to review a decision. The word later expanded to include the notion of calling for help or making an emotional request.
• Historical Development: The use of appeal in a legal context dates back to the 14th century, where it was used to describe the act of challenging a lower court’s decision by asking a higher court to reconsider the case. Over time, the term evolved to describe an emotional or social plea, such as an appeal for assistance or an appeal to the public. By the 19th century, the word was also used to describe something that attracts or appeals to the senses or emotions, such as an appeal in advertising or an appeal in art, where it signifies something that evokes a positive response.
• Cultural and Emotional Applications: In legal contexts, appeal refers to the process by which a party requests a higher court to review a case. In a broader sense, appeal can describe an urgent request for help or assistance, such as an appeal for donations or an appeal for justice. In the context of attractiveness, appeal refers to the ability of something to attract interest or admiration, whether it’s a person’s charm, the appeal of a product, or the allure of a work of art.
• Current Usage: Today, appeal is widely used in both legal and non-legal contexts. In law, it refers to the formal request to a higher court to review a lower court’s decision. In everyday language, appeal can refer to a request or plea for help, support, or change, as well as something that is attractive or emotionally compelling. The term is also commonly used in marketing, media, and entertainment to describe the quality of something that draws attention or evokes a positive reaction from an audience.

The term appeal reflects its transformation from a strictly legal concept of seeking a review or reconsideration to a more general term that encompasses emotional, social, and aesthetic dimensions. Its broad usage demonstrates its versatility in language, adapting to various contexts where something seeks attention, support, or admiration.