expound

[ik-spound]

verb (used with object)

1. to set forth or state in detail.

   to expound theories.

2. to explain; interpret.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a detailed statement (often followed byon ).

expound

/ ɪkˈspaʊnd /

verb

1. to explain or set forth (an argument, theory, etc) in detail

   to expound on one's theories

   he expounded his reasoning

Other Word Forms

• expounder noun
• preexpound verb (used with object)
• unexpounded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of expound¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English expounen, expounden, from Old French espondre, from Latin expōnere “to put out, set forth, explain,” equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + pōnere “to put”

Word History and Origins

Origin of expound¹

C13: from Old French espondre, from Latin expōnere to set forth, from pōnere to put

Example Sentences

"I'm extremely tired and I am irate that this word 'deliberate' keeps being expounded in this courtroom," she said.

From BBC

But when topics turn elsewhere — their biggest Hollywood regrets, for example, or expounding on who should join them on the Mt.

From Los Angeles Times

“Civil War” was so politically neutered, with such wooden characters, that it completely missed an opportunity to expound on the growing tensions in this country or how to navigate them.

From Salon

Madison that "it is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is. Those who apply the rule to particular cases must, of necessity, expound and interpret the rule."

From Salon

The question of whether Native Americans were subject to United States governance was further expounded upon in 1886, with the Supreme Court ruling in United States v.

From Salon

Related Words

• clarify 
• delineate 
• exemplify 
• explain 
• explicate 
• express 
• illustrate 
• set forth 
• spell out 

When To Use

What are other ways to say expound?

To expound something is to set it forth or state it in detail. How does expound differ from elucidate, explain, and interpret? Find out on Thesaurus.com.