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

The owners, executives and big names from the world of athletics expounded on several issues and trends related to money and sports—from the growing opportunities in women’s sports and youth sports to the introduction of private equity and sovereign wealth funds. —Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2024

That's an easy concept to grasp, and Paul expounded on the idea. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

Tanton kindles a small fire of twigs inside a metal pitcher, while expounding for the camera about ecology and overpopulation. —Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2024

The two Lips expounded more on their feelings about the cover in a video interview. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 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