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
- expounder noun
- preexpound verb (used with object)
- unexpounded adjective
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”
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.
“The Rip” is consumed by the need to expound and interpret its own narrative at every turn.
From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026
The company is set to expound on the results at Qubits 2026, a two-day conference at the end of January.
From Barron's • Jan. 6, 2026
“I therefore deprecate attempts to expound Wittgenstein’s thought as a finished thing.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 18, 2025
A curved index finger rises up from the rest like a speaker separating from a crowd and preparing to expound.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2024
“I’m sorry to hear you’re under the weather,” said Hermione, talking firmly over the little wizard as he tried to expound upon his problems; it was essential to stop him from reaching the street.
From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling
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.
