Expatiate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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expatiate
[ɪkˈspeɪʃiˌeɪt ]
Definition
elaborate discussion
To expatiate means to speak or write at length or in detail about a particular subject. It is a way of providing extensive information or explanation, often moving beyond the essential points to explore the subject more thoroughly. This term is commonly used in more formal or academic contexts, where a deep dive into a topic is expected. Expatiating can be seen as a method of conveying passion or deep knowledge about a subject.
Synonyms
dilate, elaborate, enlarge, expound, prolong.
Examples of usage
- She expatiated on the significance of climate change in her lecture.
- During the meeting, he expatiated about the company's future plans.
- In her essay, she expatiated on the themes of love and loss.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many famous authors, such as Charles Dickens and Virginia Woolf, often expatiate on themes in their novels to develop characters deeply.
- In essays, writers usually expatiate their arguments to make points clearer and more convincing for their readers.
- The art of expatiation often features in speeches, where speakers elaborate on topics to engage the audience and reinforce their messages.
Communication
- Expatiation is a valuable skill in discussions as it helps clarify complex ideas and invite feedback.
- During presentations, expatiation is important to provide audiences with in-depth understanding and context.
- Over-expatiating can sometimes lead to lost attention, making concise communication equally important.
Psychology
- People who expatiate on their thoughts often experience heightened satisfaction as their ideas are fully expressed.
- In therapeutic settings, expatiating about emotions or experiences can be a form of catharsis and self-discovery.
- Research suggests that individuals who express themselves in detail tend to feel more understood and validated in social interactions.
Education
- Teachers often encourage students to expatiate in essays to develop critical thinking and articulate arguments effectively.
- In academic conferences, participants are expected to expatiate on their research findings to share knowledge with peers.
- Encouraging students to expatiate can enhance their writing skills and boost confidence in their ideas.
Origin of 'expatiate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'expatiari', which means 'to wander beyond' or 'to spread out'.
- It first appeared in English in the late 16th century, used by writers to describe detailed explanations.
- Related words like 'expound' and 'explain' share a similar root, emphasizing clarity in communication.
The word 'expatiate' finds its origins in the early 17th century from the Latin 'expatiari', which is composed of the prefix 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'spatiari' meaning 'to wander'. Initially, it conveyed a sense of wandering out or moving beyond a certain point, which metaphorically extends to the act of expanding on a topic in speech or writing. As the term evolved, it became more specialized in its use within the English language, especially in literary and academic contexts, where elaboration and extensive explanation are often required. The notion of 'wandering' also reflects the idea of exploring different facets of a subject, akin to a journey through detailed discourse.