expatiate

[ ik-spey-shee-eyt ]

verb (used without object)

, ex·pa·ti·at·ed, ex·pa·ti·at·ing.

1. to enlarge in discourse or writing; be copious in description or discussion:

   to expatiate upon a theme.

2. Archaic. to move or wander about intellectually, imaginatively, etc., without restraint.

expatiate

/ ɪkˈspeɪʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. foll byon or upon to enlarge (on a theme, topic, etc) at length or in detail; elaborate (on)
2. rare.
   to wander about

Derived Forms

• exˈpatiˌator, noun
• exˌpatiˈation, noun

Other Words From

• ex·pati·ation noun
• ex·pati·ator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of expatiate¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin expatiātus, past participle of ex(s)patiārī “to wander, digress,” equivalent to ex- “from, out of, beyond” + spatiārī “to walk about,” derivative of spatium “area, space, playing field, racetrack”; -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of expatiate¹

C16: from Latin exspatiārī to digress, from spatiārī to walk about

Example Sentences

Mourdock was not the only Republican candidate to expatiate on the subject of rape.

From The Daily Beast

In the East, imagination is at liberty to expatiate on past grandeur, wisdom, and politeness.

From Project Gutenberg

As to the comparison between the two ladies, I will expatiate more on that subject, (for I like it,) when I have had them both.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Evelyn let John expatiate on her daughter's heroism till steps were heard approaching, and his aunt knocked at the door.

From Project Gutenberg

But we must not expatiate on its effects; we must only give a little attention to the means by which they are achieved.

From Project Gutenberg

I'll warrant ye, the Sergeant no' troubled himself to expatiate on the renown of the country where his regiment was raised?

From Project Gutenberg