intercede

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'intercede' is correct and usable in written English.
It is most often used as a verb, meaning to act or interpose on behalf of someone or something in order to settle a dispute or benefit them in some way. For example: The lawyer interceded for his client, negotiating a better outcome for him in court.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Alerted to the deteriorating situation by neighbours, city authorities claimed they were powerless to intervene, apparently in the belief that they had no right to intercede on land belonging to private developers.

The Guardian

The defence ministry said it had contacted the International Committee of the Red Cross ICRCC) to ask it to intercede with the Farc to ensure the safety of the hostages and try to secure their release.

The Guardian

Francesca Ambrogetti, co-author of The Jesuit – a flattering biography of the new pope – says Bergoglio told her he met the dictator Jose Rafael Videla and Eduardo Massera, the head of the navy which was in charge of some concentration camps, to try and intercede on behalf of the priests.

The Guardian

Could she intercede with a kidnapper?

The Economist

The statements culminated with Hillary Clinton, America's secretary of state, underlining how her country would intercede to ensure safe passage through international waters.Progress has been made bilaterally, too.

The Economist

No one can intercede for them, except in extraordinary circumstances.

The Economist

Avaaz's campaign against the death sentence for adultery imposed on an Iranian woman asks members to phone Iranian embassies (and provides numbers); members are also being urged to put pressure on the leaders of Brazil and Turkey to intercede with Iran.

The Economist

He even tracked down Captain Huddy's widow, and persuaded her to intercede on Asgill's behalf.Washington ignored these pleas.

The Economist

It wants Pakistan to shut down the infrastructure of terrorism the networks that recruit, train, equip and finance jihadists and to hand over a list of suspects, accused of plotting terrorist atrocities in India.To bolster its demands, India is counting on outside powers to intercede on its behalf.

The Economist

Christians in the Middle Ages believed that the relics of a saint could be used to intercede with God just as the saint had done in life.

The Economist

The Catholics of Europe were his concern; the Jews were not, and it was probably unconscionable for him to intercede for them in public (though not, as some Jewish leaders have recognised, to encourage help for them in secret).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intercede" when you want to emphasize acting as an intermediary or advocate to resolve a conflict or influence a situation for someone else's benefit. It often implies a formal or significant intervention.

Common error

Avoid using "intercede" when the action is simply offering help or assistance without the specific intent of influencing a decision or resolving a dispute. Use a simpler term like "assist" or "help" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "intercede" is as an intransitive verb. It describes the action of intervening on behalf of someone or something, often to resolve a dispute or offer assistance. Ludwig AI confirms its role in sentences like "The defence ministry said it had contacted the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to ask it to intercede with the Farc to ensure the safety of the hostages and try to secure their release."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

28%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "intercede" is a versatile verb primarily used to describe the act of intervening or mediating on behalf of someone, typically to resolve a dispute or offer assistance. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically sound and usable in written English, evidenced by its presence across varied sources, primarily in news and encyclopedic content. Its primary function lies in expressing advocacy, mediation, or intervention. While "intercede" commonly implies a formal or significant intervention, it's crucial to distinguish it from simply offering help, where terms like "assist" or "help" are more fitting. Related alternatives such as "mediate", "intervene", and "arbitrate" provide nuances for different intervention contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intervene

Suggests stepping in to prevent or alter a course of events.

mediate

Focuses on acting as a neutral party to resolve a dispute.

plead on behalf of

Stresses making an emotional appeal for someone's benefit.

arbitrate

Implies a more formal and binding intervention to settle a disagreement.

interpose

Suggests inserting oneself to prevent something from happening.

advocate

Highlights actively supporting or pleading for someone's cause.

appeal

Implies making a formal request or plea to a higher authority.

liaise

Emphasizes establishing communication and cooperation between parties.

act as a go-between

Conveys serving as an intermediary between two or more parties.

negotiate

Focuses on reaching an agreement through discussion and compromise.

FAQs

How can I use "intercede" in a sentence?

You can use "intercede" to describe acting as a mediator or advocate. For instance, "The diplomat tried to intercede between the warring nations" or "She asked her parents to intercede with the school on her behalf".

What's a good substitute for "intercede"?

Alternatives to "intercede" include "mediate", "intervene", "arbitrate", or "advocate", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "intercede on behalf of" someone?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. The phrase "intercede on behalf of" is commonly used to emphasize that you are acting as an advocate for someone, trying to help them with a problem or situation.

What is the difference between "intercede" and "interfere"?

"Intercede" generally implies a positive or helpful intervention, often to resolve a conflict or assist someone. "Interfere", on the other hand, usually carries a negative connotation, suggesting unwanted or disruptive involvement.