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
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 much; it is through the truth that souls are to be sanctified, not through essays upon the truth.
From Sketches of Our Life at Sarawak by McDougall, Henriette
Expound to me, now, the meaning of that water-lily leaf and its grand simple curve, as it lies sleeping there in the back eddy.’
From Yeast: a Problem by Kingsley, Charles
"Expound your meaning, then, most learned and mysterious chum."
From Hector's Inheritance, Or, the Boys of Smith Institute by Alger, Horatio
Expound to the full the accidental circumstances of which throughout you have been the unfortunate victim.
From The Sea-Hawk by Sabatini, Rafael
Then he called the oneiromants and the astrologers and said to them "Expound to me my dream!"
From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 06 by Burton, Richard Francis, 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.
