expound

verb ex·pound \ik-ˈspau̇nd\

: to explain or state (something) : to give details about (something)

Full Definition of EXPOUND

transitive verb

a : to set forth : state

b : to defend with argument

: to explain by setting forth in careful and often elaborate detail <expound a law>

intransitive verb

: to make a statement : comment

— ex·pound·er noun

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Origin of EXPOUND

Middle English, from Anglo-French espundre, expondre, from Latin exponere to explain — more at expose

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to EXPOUND

Synonyms: air, express, give, look, raise, sound, state, vent, ventilate, voice

Antonyms: stifle, suppress

Synonym Discussion of 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>.