espoused

American  

[ih-spouzd, -spousd] / ɪˈspaʊzd, -ˈspaʊsd /

adjective

1. embraced or adopted, as an idea, principle, or cause.

   There was an immediate negative reaction to his clearly espoused beliefs on the subject.

2. Archaic.  married.

   Once while I was in medical school, my recently espoused wife was persuaded to come and see me do a post-mortem.

3. Archaic.  engaged or betrothed.

   Espoused couples desiring to be married by the Ministerial Staff are required to complete the six-week preparation course.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of espouse.

Other Word Forms

• unespoused adjective

Etymology

Origin of espoused

espouse ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Cheney’s legacy would have been somewhat redeemed if he had admitted that the philosophy he espoused and the work he did for decades laid the groundwork for the destruction of democracy we are witnessing.

From Salon

He hasn't shied away from a political fight and has proudly espoused left-wing causes - such as free childcare, expanded public transportation and government intervention in free market systems.

From BBC

Despite their past wariness of crypto, banks have long espoused the potential of the blockchain technology that underpins digital currencies to streamline their businesses.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the past, Musk has espoused paying penalties rather than waiting for approvals as a way of doing business.

From Salon

Her philosophy, while shocking to a busload of Baptist female college teachers, is one Williams himself might have espoused after a couple of Negronis.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• marital