English vocabulary · C1
Espouse
/ɪˈspaʊz/ · v.
It means to strongly support a belief or cause.
Continue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- The senator espoused the new climate plan.
- She espoused equal rights throughout her career.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- e — out (from Latin)
- spouse — promise (from Latin)
Words with the same root
sponsare — promise
- sponsor — one who pledges support or money for something
- respond — to pledge back by giving an answer
- responsible — having pledged to answer for one's actions
Lesson notes
Espouse. It means to strongly support a belief or cause. You make it your own and stand behind it.
Related words are sponsor, respond, and responsible. Use espouse when you fully support a cause.
The senator espoused the new climate plan. She espoused equal rights throughout her career.
From Latin. E means out. Spouse means promise. To espouse is to bring your promise out — to openly support a cause.