expound

[ ik-spound ]

/ ɪkˈspaʊnd /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR expound ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to set forth or state in detail: to expound theories.

to explain; interpret.

verb (used without object)

to make a detailed statement (often followed by on).

Nearby words

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

Related formsex·pound·er, nounpre·ex·pound, verb (used with object)un·ex·pound·ed, adjective

Synonym study

2. See explain.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for expounding

If you explain it to him, you are not describing but expounding it.
The Art of Public Speaking|Dale Carnagey (AKA Dale Carnegie) and J. Berg Esenwein
Ignorance or neglect of this rule of interpretation has been a fruitful source of error, especially in expounding Revelation.
Notes On The Apocalypse|David Steele
He is apt to be tiresome when expounding his predictions, and likely to become a common nuisance should his predictions come true.
Speaking of Prussians|Irvin S. Cobb
It was his wish to arrive nearer at the primitive mode of expounding Scripture in his sermons.
The Biography of Robert Murray M'Cheyne|Andrew A. Bonar

Almost impassive, she submitted to his argument and expounding.
Sons and Lovers|David Herbert Lawrence

British Dictionary definitions for expounding

expound

/ (ɪkˈspaʊnd) /

verb

(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

Derived Formsexpounder, noun

Word Origin for expound

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 expounding

expound

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.