expound
UK: ɪkˈspaʊnd | US: ɪkˈspaʊnd
vt. to explain or present (an idea, theory, etc.) in detail
vt. to interpret or analyze (a text or concept) systematically
expound = ex<out> + pound<put>
- ex (Latin: "out of, from") → Indicates outward action or removal.
- pound (Latin: ponere, "to put, place") → Evolved into Middle English pounden (to expound), retaining the core idea of "placing" ideas clearly.
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin exponere ("to set forth, explain"), via Old French espondre. The morpheme ex- emphasizes "bringing out" meaning, while -pound (from ponere) reflects the act of "placing" ideas logically. Over time, the word narrowed to focus on detailed explanation, especially in scholarly or rhetorical contexts.
The professor expounded his theory for over an hour.
She expounded the poem’s symbolism with precision.
The lawyer expounded the legal precedent to the jury.
Ancient philosophers often expounded their ideas through dialogues.
The manual expounds the steps to assemble the device clearly.