Expatiating: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'expatiari', meaning 'to wander' or 'to spread out', suggesting a way of talking that goes far.
• It entered the English language in the 17th century, becoming popular among writers who enjoyed detailed explanations.

Literature

• Many classic authors, like Charles Dickens, often expatiated on themes to provide richer contexts for their characters.
• In essays, expatiating helps writers explore complex concepts, making it easier for readers to understand intricate ideas.

Communication

• In public speaking, expatiating can engage an audience but can also risk losing their attention if used excessively.
• Successful educators often expatiate on topics to help students grasp difficult concepts by presenting them from multiple angles.

Psychology

• Engaging in lengthy discussions or expatiating can create a sense of connection between speakers, fostering deeper understanding.
• From a cognitive perspective, expatiating allows for better retention of information as it encourages elaboration and organization of thoughts.

Media

• In today's media, expatiating can be seen in long-form journalism, which aims to provide deep insights into current events.
• Podcasts often feature hosts who expatiate on topics to entertain their audience while enriching their knowledge.

Ranking #35,675, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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• 35672 regally
• 35673 staleness
• 35674 splintery
• 35675 expatiating
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• 35677 jocularity
• 35678 nervy
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