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

Strangio is joined by a number of trans activists — including famous faces like Elliot Page, and an outspoken 12-year-old named Mila — in not only expounding upon daily prejudices and hypocrisies of anti-trans alarmism, but also daily mundanities. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 28 Jan. 2025

There are thousands of professionals and countless impassioned amateurs, all happy to expound on monetary theory in the way that people elsewhere debate the defensive tactics of the Premier League. —Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024

In an August TikTok post, an exasperated Roan expounded on her increasingly uncomfortable fan encounters. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025

Yost also expounded on how Season 3 of the Apple TV+ series — which is already renewed for a fourth/final season — will differ from Shift. —Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 17 Jan. 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

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