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

In a caption for the video, Marlon further expounded on the situation. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 5 July 2024

Thibodeaux did not expound on former DC Wink Martindale’s resignation. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2024

Rather than expounding on his plans for another four years in office, Biden's biggest challenge is justifying what's currently happening on the ground in Gaza to would-be Democratic voters who are outraged about his administration's ongoing support for Israel. —Abc News, ABC News, 27 June 2024

As the Boston Celtics have romped through the N.B.A. regular season and playoffs, Jaylen Brown, one the team’s two young star forwards, has been asked, many times, to expound on the team’s success. —Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 16 June 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