Expatiating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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expatiating

[ษชkหˆspeษชสงieษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

in detail

To expatiate means to speak or write at length or in detail about a particular subject. It is often used to describe a situation where someone elaborates on a topic, providing extensive information or commentary.

Synonyms

dwell, elaborate, expound, prolong.

Examples of usage

  • He spent hours expatiating on his travel experiences.
  • During the lecture, she began expatiating about the effects of climate change.
  • The author expatiated upon her thoughts in the introduction of the book.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'expatiating'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'expatiate' originates from the Latin term 'expatiari', which means 'to wander out'. The prefix 'ex-' means 'out', and 'patiari' relates to 'to walk'. In the late 15th century, it entered the English language, initially retaining a sense of wandering or moving beyond certain bounds. Over time, the meaning shifted to emphasize elaboration or the act of extending one's discourse on a subject. This evolution reflects the transition from a physical sense of wandering to a metaphorical sense of expanding upon ideas, concepts, or narratives.


Word Frequency Rank

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.