Word
espouse
Phoneticses·pouse, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪˈspaʊs/
UK/ɛspˈaʊs/
Definition
v. to support an idea, belief, or way of life publicly. You use this when someone chooses to follow a specific theory or cause.
v. to adopt or support a cause, belief, or way of life. Often implies a public or formal commitment to a particular ideology or set of principles.
Examples
“She continues to espouse the benefits of a vegan lifestyle.”
“The politician was quick to espouse new environmental policies during the election campaign to win over younger voters.”
“While the university's charter claims to espouse the values of free speech and open inquiry, recent administrative decisions have led some faculty members to question that commitment.”
Examples
simple
“She continues to espouse the benefits of a vegan lifestyle.”
contextual
“The politician was quick to espouse new environmental policies during the election campaign to win over younger voters.”
complex
“While the university's charter claims to espouse the values of free speech and open inquiry, recent administrative decisions have led some faculty members to question that commitment.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “espouse” in context.
Noun
01. espouse belief
“The group was formed to espouse beliefs in non-violent resistance.”
verb + noun
02. espouse cause
“She has used her platform to espouse the cause of environmental protection.”
verb + noun
03. espouse ideology
“He was criticized for refusing to espouse the party's official ideology.”
verb + noun
04. espouse principle
“The company claims to espouse principles of fair trade and sustainability.”
verb + noun
05. espouse theory
“Several academics began to espouse the theory of social constructivism.”
verb + noun
06. espouse view
“The politician continues to espouse views that many consider controversial.”
verb + noun
07. espouse a radical doctrine
“The movement began to espouse a radical doctrine that alienated moderate members.”
08. espouse the virtues of
“The book seeks to espouse the virtues of a minimalist lifestyle.”
09. publicly espouse a position
“It is rare for a CEO to publicly espouse a position on such a divisive issue.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, typically an abstract noun like 'view', 'cause', or 'theory'.
Real-World Examples
“Puigdemont has remained an active political presence, travelling across Europe to espouse the Catalan independence cause and fiercely criticising Spain's democratic institutions.” “The Atkins, paleo and keto diets are all variations on the theme, espousing low-carb, high-fat diets as the key to optimum health.” “He espouses “freedom” in speeches, but his 18-month-old presidency has been characterized by a near-constant clash with the opposition and fears of censorship and democratic backsliding.” “His unapologetic association with them is perhaps the most vivid example of the Republican Party’s growing acceptance of extremism, which has become apparent as more lawmakers espouse and amplify conspiracy theories and far-right ideologies that figure prominently in the belief systems of fringe groups.” Etymology
From Middle English espousen, the term was borrowed from the Old French espouser. The lineage traces to the Latin spōnsāre, a frequentative of spondeō, derived ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root *spend-.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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