expound
[ik-spound]
- to set forth or state in detail: to expound theories.
- to explain; interpret.
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- to make a detailed statement (often followed by on).
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Origin of expound
1250–1300; Middle English expounen, expounden < Old French espondre < Latin expōnere to put out, set forth, explain, equivalent to ex- ex-1 + pōnere to put
Synonym study
2. See explain.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for expound
Contemporary Examples
I was going to expound on this today, but Josh Barro's got it covered.
The spring collection was intended to expound on the female body, sensuality and skin--but not nudity.
Why, in an otherwise tough interview, he didn't ask Netanyahu to expound the distinction is beyond me.
He recognized me from TV, and began to expound his political opinions.
The compulsion to expound on the grips of passion is timeless, it would seem.
Historical Examples
Well, my dears, it is useless for me to expound to you that which I cannot myself understand.
Micah ClarkeArthur Conan Doyle
Professor Turner will expound the significance of the frontier in American history.
The American MindBliss Perry
"Because—" But it was no moment to expound the personal nature of love.
Howards EndE. M. Forster
Will you allow me then to explain how I should have liked to have heard you expound the matter?
LawsPlato
I will expound this meaning of mine through the medium of a parable.
The Shame of MotleyRaphael Sabatini
expound
- (when intr, foll by on or about) to explain or set forth (an argument, theory, etc) in detailto expound on one's theories; he expounded his reasoning
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Word Origin
C13: from Old French espondre, from Latin expōnere to set forth, from pōnere to put
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for expound
v.
c.1300, from Old French espondre "expound (on), set forth, explain," from Latin exponere "put forth, explain, expose, exhibit," from ex- "forth" (see ex-) + ponere "to put, place" (see position); with intrusive -d (cf. sound (n.1)). The usual Middle English form was expoune. Related: Expounded; expounding.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper