Expatiation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
Add to dictionary

expatiation

[ษ›ksหŒpeษชสƒiหˆeษชสƒษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

detailed explanation

Expatiation refers to the act of speaking or writing at length or in detail about a particular subject. It often involves providing extensive examples or elaborating on concepts to clarify or amplify the initial idea. In academia and literature, expatiation is considered valuable when discussing complex theories or ideas, as it allows for a deeper understanding of the topic at hand. This term can also imply a degree of digression from the main point, as the speaker or writer may explore related ideas.

Synonyms

digression, discussion, elaboration, expansion, explanation.

Examples of usage

  • The professor's expatiation on the topic of climate change captivated the audience.
  • Her expatiation during the lecture provided valuable insight into the intricate legal issues.
  • In his book, the authorโ€™s expatiation on historical events painted a vivid picture.
  • The lawyer's expatiation during the trial helped clarify the complex legal matter.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many writers use expatiation to develop characters and themes in novels, giving readers a richer understanding.
  • In poetry, an expatiated stanza might delve deeply into emotions or imagery, creating vivid landscapes in the reader's mind.

Communication

  • Expatiation is often seen in academic or technical writing where complex ideas require thorough explanation.
  • Public speakers sometimes use this technique to elaborate on their points, ensuring the audience grasps every detail.

Psychology

  • Expatiation can enhance memory retention; explaining concepts in detail helps solidify understanding.
  • In conversations, when people expatiate, they often feel they are being more persuasive, adding credibility to their arguments.

Pop Culture

  • In online platforms like YouTube, content creators often expatiate on topics, providing in-depth analysis for viewers.
  • Podcasts frequently feature discussions that expatiate on current events, allowing listeners to grasp nuances that short summaries miss.

Origin of 'expatiation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'expatiari' meaning 'to wander or roam out' which gives a clue about going into detail.
  • It is formed from the prefix 'ex-' meaning 'out of' and 'pati' which means 'to suffer' or 'to endure', reflecting a deep exploration of a topic.

The term 'expatiation' has its roots in the Latin word 'expatiari', which means 'to wander' or 'to roam freely'. This is derived from the prefix 'ex-', indicating 'out', and 'spatium', meaning 'space' or 'room'. The transition from the literal sense of wandering to the figurative sense of elaboration and detailed explanation occurred during the 17th century. Initially, it was used in English literature to denote a discourse that expands upon a particular theme, allowing the speaker or writer to traverse various facets of the subject matter. Over time, the term has been adopted in various contexts, including academia, rhetoric, and everyday conversation, where subjects are explored in depth, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of complex topics.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,938, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.