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 of expound

• express
• voice
• give

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

Lines that might otherwise seem primed for raucous laughter — a neurologist who expounds on the joys of Swiss bread? — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026

During the prime years of her career, while widely acknowledged as an exceptional Schubert singer with impeccable German diction, Anderson still avoided expounding on the music. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026

This is in part because, whether owing to shrinking foreign-news budgets or to a reluctance to have individual correspondents expound on such a broad array of topics and countries, careers like Ascherson’s barely exist anymore. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026

In 2002 Thompson’s children expounded on the story and took issue with a number of Lange’s recollections, particularly that the family had sold their tires for food. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026

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