appeal

The quality that makes people like or want something.

• The idea has wide appeal.
• The old house has a certain appeal.
• For me, the game quickly lost its appeal.

How to use it: appeal to someone (The show has strong appeal to younger viewers.); appeal of something (I understand the appeal of living near the sea.)

Similar words: attraction, attractiveness, charm

Common phrases: wide appeal, popular appeal, lose its appeal

A serious or public request for help, money, or action.

• They made an appeal for help.
• The charity launched an urgent appeal.
• Her emotional appeal persuaded people to donate.

How to use it: appeal for something (The charity launched an appeal for blankets.); appeal to someone (Her appeal to local businesses raised enough money.)

Similar words: plea, request

Common phrases: appeal for help, urgent appeal, public appeal, appeal for volunteers

A request for an official decision to be checked and changed.

• Her appeal was rejected.
• He filed an appeal against his sentence.
• The school agreed to hear her appeal.

How to use it: appeal against something (She lodged an appeal against the decision.); appeal to someone/something (The case will be heard on appeal to a higher court.)

Common phrases: appeal against something, file an appeal, win an appeal, court of appeal

To make someone feel interested in something or want it.

• That idea appeals to me.
• The bright colours appeal to children.
• Would a walking holiday appeal to you?

How to use it: appeal to someone (This quiet hotel appeals to older guests.)

Similar words: attract, interest

Opposites: repel

Common phrases: appeal to someone, appeal to children, appeal to customers, appeal to everyone

To ask seriously or publicly for help, money, or action.

• They appealed for help.
• The charity is appealing for donations.
• Police appealed to witnesses to contact them.

How to use it: appeal for something (Police are appealing for information.); appeal to someone for something (The shelter appealed to residents for blankets.); appeal to someone to do something (She appealed to everyone to stay calm.)

Similar words: plead, ask, call

Common phrases: appeal for help, appeal for calm, appeal to someone, appeal for support

To ask a court or other authority to check and change a decision.

• He will appeal the decision.
• They appealed against the prison sentence.
• Can we appeal to a higher court?

How to use it: appeal something (They plan to appeal the ruling.); appeal against something (She appealed against her sentence.); appeal to a court (The company appealed to a higher court.)

Similar words: challenge, contest

Common phrases: appeal a decision, appeal against something, appeal a conviction