Meaning & use
interceding
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“interceding” is a form of “intercede”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbintransitive
Speaking or acting on behalf of someone else to help settle a disagreement or ask for a favor.
Grammar: No object; often followed by 'for' someone or 'with' the person in power: She interceded for her brother.
Patterns
- intercede for someone
- intercede with someone
- intercede on behalf of someone
The teacher interceded for the student who was about to be punished unfairly.
He asked his lawyer to intercede with the judge for a lighter sentence.
Several countries tried interceding to stop the fighting.
verbintransitive
Interrupting or interfering in a situation to influence the outcome.
Grammar: No object; often used with 'in' or 'between': intercede in a dispute.
Patterns
- intercede in something
- intercede between people
The manager interceded in the argument before it turned into a fight.
She rarely intercedes between her friends when they disagree.
Word forms
| third person singular | intercedes |
|---|---|
| past tense | interceded |
| past participle | interceded |
| -ing form | interceding |
Common combinations
- intercede for someone
- The ambassador interceded for the prisoners.
- intercede with someone
- She interceded with the principal to change the rule.
- intercede on behalf of someone
- He interceded on behalf of his colleague.
- intercede in a dispute
- The UN tried to intercede in the dispute.
Synonyms and how they differ
- mediate
- Mediate means helping two sides reach an agreement, often as a neutral go-between; intercede is more one-sided, acting for someone else.
- plead
- Plead means asking strongly for something, often in a court; intercede can include pleading but also other kinds of help.
- intervene
- Intervene means getting involved to change what is happening, sometimes by force; intercede is usually more peaceful and on someone's behalf.
Word family
- intercession noun
- The act of interceding.
- intercessor noun
- A person who intercedes.
Commonly confused: interceding or interceding?
interceding vs interceding
This is the -ing form of 'intercede', not a separate word. The base form is 'intercede'.
Practice
The teacher ______ for the student who was about to be punished.
Choose one answer.
The verb 'intercede' is intransitive and takes 'for' when you mean helping someone. 'Interceded with' would need a person in power after it (e.g., interceded with the principal). 'To' and 'at' do not fit this pattern.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “interceding”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.