expound

verb

ex·​pound ik-ˈspau̇nd 

expounded; expounding; expounds

transitive verb

1

a

: to set forth : state

b

: to defend with argument

2

: to explain by setting forth in careful and often elaborate detail

expound a law

intransitive verb

: to make a statement : comment

expounder noun

Synonyms

• air
• express
• give
• look
• raise
• sound
• state
• vent
• ventilate
• voice

Choose the Right Synonym for expound

explain, expound, explicate, elucidate, interpret mean to make something clear or understandable.

explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.

interpreting a work of art

Examples of expound in a Sentence

The article expounds the virtues of a healthy diet.

When asked to expound, he had no comment.

Recent Examples on the Web

Combined with David Ricardo (1772-1823), another influential British economist who expounded on the benefits of free trade with his theory of comparative advantage, by the mid-19th century laissez-faire became the central tenet to what was then a burgeoning discipline: economics. — Made By History, Time, 28 Apr. 2025

Maine high school athlete Cassidy Carlisle expounded on her message to Gov. Janet Mills as the state continued to thumb its nose as President Donald Trump and maintain its transgender-athlete policies in girls' and women’s sports. —Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 24 Mar. 2025

However, Powell will have the chance to expound on where the Fed is heading from here. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025

In a filing late Monday, attorneys for the parties tweaked or expounded on several terms—but not the imposition of roster limits—while insisting Wilken should approve the settlement. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French espundre, expondre, from Latin exponere to explain — more at expose

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for expound

• abound
• aground
• around
• astound
• background
• campground
• clothbound
• confound
• earthbound
• eastbound
• fairground
• foreground

Kids Definition

expound

verb

ex·​pound ik-ˈspau̇nd 

1

: to make known (as one's ideas or beliefs) : set forth

2

: to explain clearly : interpret

expounder noun