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Espoused Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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espoused

[ɪˈspaʊzd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

support or adopt

To espouse means to adopt or support a cause, belief, or way of life. It can also indicate marrying or being in favor of something.

Synonyms

adopt, embrace, promote, support.

Examples of usage

  • She espoused the values of environmental conservation.
  • He espoused a philosophy of non-violence.
  • They espoused a new way of thinking about education.
Context #2 | Verb

marriage

Espoused can also mean to be wed or married to someone. In this context, it typically refers to a spouse.

Synonyms

joined, married, wedded.

Examples of usage

  • They were espoused in a beautiful ceremony.
  • He espoused his childhood sweetheart.
  • Many times, couples espouse each other in the presence of friends and family.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, espousing certain beliefs can lead to social or familial changes, reflecting values and norms.
  • Political movements often see leaders espousing new ideas to inspire change and unite followers.

Literature

  • Writers often use characters who espouse strong beliefs to drive plots, showing the importance of convictions in their journeys.
  • Famous speeches in literature often involve the speaker espousing ideas meant to provoke thought and inspire action.

Psychology

  • People tend to espouse beliefs that align with their identity, showing a deep connection between personal values and self-perception.
  • Cognitive dissonance can occur when one espouses a belief but acts contrary to it, prompting an internal struggle.

History

  • Throughout history, many philosophers have espoused theories that challenged societal norms, leading to philosophical evolution.
  • The Civil Rights Movement saw many individuals espousing the ideas of equality and justice, fundamentally reshaping society.

Origin of 'espoused'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'sponsus,' meaning 'to pledge' or 'promise,' linking it to commitments.
  • The word has been used in English since the 14th century, originally related to marriage before expanding to beliefs and ideas.

The word 'espouse' comes from the Middle English 'spousen', which is derived from the Old French 'esposer', meaning 'to put in a position of marriage'. This, in turn, can be traced back to the Latin 'sponsare', which means 'to pledge' or 'to betroth'. Over time, the meaning expanded from the specific context of marriage to include the adoption of ideas and beliefs. The use of 'espouse' in English can be dated back to the 14th century, indicating both the traditional marital commitment as well as the ideological commitments individuals make towards various causes or beliefs. Thus, 'espousing' something signifies a deep commitment, akin to the commitment found in marriage.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,114, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.