expound
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to set forth or state in detail.
to expound theories.
-
to explain; interpret.
verb (used without object)
verb
Usage
What are other ways to say expound? To expound something is to set it forth or state it in detail. How does expound differ from elucidate, explain, and interpret? Find out on Thesaurus.com.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
has expoundedperfect 3rd person singular
-
have expoundedperfect
-
has been expoundingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
have been expoundingperfect progressive
-
am expoundingprogressive 1st person singular
-
expoundssingular 3rd person
-
expoundingparticiple
-
are expoundingprogressive
-
is expoundingprogressive 3rd person singular
Past
-
had expoundedperfect
-
expoundedsimple
-
were expoundingprogressive plural
-
was expoundingprogressive singular
-
expoundedparticiple
-
had been expoundingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of expound
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English expounen, expounden, from Old French espondre, from Latin expōnere “to put out, set forth, explain,” equivalent to ex- ex- 1 + pōnere “to put”
Explanation
If your grandmother's handwritten pie recipe calls for "some sugar," "plenty of butter," and "sliced apples," you might ask her to expound by adding measurements of how much of each to use. When you expound, you explain or provide details. Expound came into English from a 14th-century French word espondre meaning "to elaborate" or "put forth." Often when you expound something you are clarifying or giving the particulars. A more formal way to expound is to offer exposition, often going line by line to explain precise meanings in a text or legal document.
Vocabulary lists containing expound
To Kill a Mockingbird
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Animal Farm
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 1–6
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Expound to me my horrid dream," he said.
From Jewish Fairy Tales and Legends by Aronson, Sol
"Abou Hassan ez Ziyadi," answered I, and he said, "Expound to me thy case."
From The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Volume IV by Payne, John
"Expound," quoth Frank, who was really ready to swallow any fresh marvel, so many had he seen already.
From Westward Ho!, or, the voyages and adventures of Sir Amyas Leigh, Knight, of Burrough, in the county of Devon, in the reign of her most glorious majesty Queen Elizabeth by Kingsley, Charles
Expound, eks-pownd′, v.t. to expose, or lay open the meaning of: to explain: to interpret: to explain in a certain way.—n.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various
"Expound to me," replied the prince, "this law, which you have called divine."
From The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 16 by Scott, Walter, Sir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
