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

Most prominent of these platforms was the increasingly popular website Common Sense, which didn’t expound on method but in terse boilerplate statements asserted that Castro’s death had been no accident, and repeated the catchphrase, Wake up, America, and dream. —Elliot Ackerman, WIRED, 6 Feb. 2024

Devin expounded on the notion, adding historical context. —Ebony Flake, Essence, 18 Mar. 2024

Delusions of national identity Putin’s interview with Carlson was a softball affair, critics say, providing a platform for the Russian president to expound on his territorial ambitions over Ukraine. —Will Ripley, CNN, 26 Feb. 2024

There are brief allusions to a previous life that is never expounded upon, yet seems to be filled with regret, turmoil, pain. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2024

The chief scout behind the building of a roster that has won 36 games over the last three season took time away eyeballing prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft to expound on his decision to turn down offers from the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers. —Clarence E. Hill Jr., Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Feb. 2024

Forty-six of its 109 pages are devoted to him and his work, as befits a voracious writer who could expound on garage-rock, heavy-metal, punk, jazz and more with equal skill and wit, insight and irreverence. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Dec. 2023

For nearly 20 minutes, the comedian expounded on the absurdity of a rematch between two men who had already been the oldest presidential candidates in American history. —Alison Herman, Variety, 13 Feb. 2024

While speaking about the new Netflix documentary with the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast, Sheila E expounded on the sense that she was deceived into participating with the false promise of a solo vocal part. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 29 Jan. 2024

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

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