Advocates Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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advocates

[ˈædvəkɪts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal

People who publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy.

Synonyms

champions, promoters, supporters.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
advocates

Used when someone publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy, often with a sense of active engagement.

  • She advocates for animal rights tirelessly on social media.
  • The lawyer advocates for changes in the criminal justice system.
supporters

Used when someone generally agrees with and backs a cause, person, or policy. It implies a less active role compared to 'advocates' or 'champions'.

  • The supporters of the local football team gathered for a rally.
  • He is a strong supporter of educational reforms.
champions

Used when someone not only supports but also leads or takes significant actions in favor of a cause. Often implies going above and beyond to fight for something.

  • He champions environmental conservation efforts in his community.
  • As a political leader, she champions the rights of the underprivileged.
promoters

Used when someone actively advances or publicizes a cause, product, or event. Often associated with marketing and spreading awareness.

  • Promoters of the new technology believe it will revolutionize the industry.
  • She's one of the main promoters of the upcoming charity gala.

Examples of usage

  • The advocates for animal rights organized a protest outside the zoo.
  • She has been a vocal advocate for environmental protection for many years.
Context #2 | Verb

legal

To publicly recommend or support a particular cause or policy.

Synonyms

endorse, promote, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
advocates

Use this when referring to someone who actively supports or argues for a cause, policy, or group. This is often used in formal or professional settings.

  • She advocates for children's rights in her community
  • The organization advocates for stronger environmental protections

Examples of usage

  • The group advocates for stricter gun control laws.
  • He advocates for better access to healthcare in underserved communities.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Social Movements

  • Throughout history, figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malala Yousafzai have acted as advocates for civil rights and education, respectively.
  • Advocacy groups play essential roles in promoting causes such as environmental protection, gender equality, and healthcare access.
  • The rise of social media has transformed advocacy, allowing individuals and organizations to amplify their messages and mobilize support globally.

Psychology

  • Research shows that having advocates can improve mental health outcomes for marginalized communities by providing support and resources.
  • The presence of an advocate during stressful situations, like legal proceedings, can significantly reduce anxiety levels.
  • Empathy is a critical trait for effective advocates, allowing them to understand and communicate the needs of those they support.

Literature

  • In literature, advocates often appear as characters who champion the rights of others, guiding protagonists through challenges.
  • Many novels explore themes of advocacy, showcasing how individuals can influence change through their actions and voices.
  • Notable literary works, such as 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' highlight the importance of advocacy in addressing social injustices.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows frequently depict advocates as heroes, often portraying lawyers or activists fighting against injustice.
  • Documentaries focusing on real-life advocates, such as '13th' and 'He Named Me Malala,' inspire viewers to engage in social issues.
  • Celebrity advocates leverage their platforms to raise awareness about causes, effectively using their fame for social good.

Origin of 'advocates'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'advocatus,' meaning 'call to aid,' reflecting its role in providing assistance.
  • In medieval times, advocates were often lawyers who represented clients in court, evolving into modern legal representation.
  • The word has roots in Old French as 'avocat,' which also means lawyer, highlighting its connection to legal support.

The word 'advocate' originated from the Latin word 'advocatus', which means 'one called to aid' or 'one who pleads for another'. It has been used in English since the 14th century with the legal sense of 'one whose profession is to plead cases in a court of law'. Over time, the term has broadened to also refer to individuals who publicly support or recommend causes or policies.


See also: advocating.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,190 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.