expound
Meaning: To present and explain a theory, argument, or set of ideas in detail, typically with authority and at some length.
Expound implies a thorough, often lengthy explanation delivered with confidence and expertise. It is more didactic than 'explain' and more discursive than 'state.' The word frequently appears in descriptions of lectures, sermons, and manifestos. It can carry a faintly pompous overtone when used of someone who is holding forth at length. Collocates with 'on,' 'upon,' and direct objects like 'views' or 'philosophy.'
Examples
- The professor expounded his theory of cognitive development across three densely argued chapters. 教授在三章密集论证中详细阐述了他的认知发展理论。El profesor expuso su teoría del desarrollo cognitivo a lo largo de tres capítulos densamente argumentados.教授は三つの緻密な章にわたって認知発達理論を詳述した。그 교수는 치밀하게 논증된 세 개의 장에 걸쳐 자신의 인지 발달 이론을 상술했다.
- She expounded at length on the virtues of a plant-based diet, to the evident boredom of her dinner companions. 她长篇大论地阐述了植物性饮食的好处,令同桌的人明显感到厌倦。Disertó extensamente sobre las virtudes de una dieta basada en plantas, para evidente aburrimiento de sus compañeros de mesa.彼女は植物性食事の美点について延々と説いたが、食事の同伴者たちは明らかに退屈していた。그녀는 식물성 식단의 장점에 대해 장황하게 역설했으나, 식사 동석자들은 분명히 지루해했다.
- The chancellor expounded the government's fiscal strategy in a keynote address to the City. 财政大臣在面向伦敦金融城的主旨演讲中阐述了政府的财政战略。El ministro de Hacienda expuso la estrategia fiscal del gobierno en un discurso magistral ante la City.財務大臣はシティでの基調演説で政府の財政戦略を詳細に述べた。재무장관은 시티에서의 기조 연설에서 정부의 재정 전략을 상세히 설명했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, journalism, professional
Tone: authoritative
Origin & History
From Old French espondre, from Latin exponere (to put forth, explain), from ex- (out) + ponere (to put). The English form was influenced by 'compound' and 'propound.'
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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