Origin: Latin suffix -al
Appeal has 11 different meanings across 2 categories:
attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates
"his smile was part of his appeal to her"
(law) a legal proceeding in which the appellant resorts to a higher court for the purpose of obtaining a review of a lower court decision and a reversal of the lower court's judgment or the granting of a new trial
"their appeal was denied in the superior court"
request for a sum of money
"an appeal to raise money for starving children"
An application to a superior court or judge for a decision or order by an inferior court or judge to be reviewed and overturned.
"The defense lawyer decided to file an appeal after the jury returned a guilty verdict that they believed was unjust."
In plain English: An appeal is a strong request for help or support from someone else.
"The book's simple plot and relatable characters gave it a wide appeal among young readers."
Usage: As a noun in everyday language, an appeal refers to a strong request or plea for help, sympathy, or support rather than a legal procedure. Use this word when someone is earnestly asking others to agree with their point of view or to take action on their behalf.
take a court case to a higher court for review
"He was found guilty but appealed immediately"
Often followed by against (the inferior court's decision) or to (the superior court): to apply to a superior court or judge for a decision or order by an inferior court or judge to be reviewed and overturned.
"After losing the initial ruling, the defendant decided to appeal to the higher court in hopes of overturning the verdict."
In plain English: To appeal means to ask someone for help or support.
"The new design really appeals to younger customers."
Usage: As a verb in everyday usage, appeal means to request something from someone else, such as asking for help or expressing a strong desire for a particular outcome. It is often followed by "to" when indicating the object of the request, like appealing to one's better nature.
The word appeal comes from the Middle English apel, which originally referred to a formal accusation made in court or a challenge to fight by combat. Over time, it evolved to describe a request for review by a higher authority or a plea for mercy and protection.