How to Memorize

espouse - support

Analysis

The formal word ‘espouse’ originally meant ‘to marry’ but has since been adapted to express a different, though just as committed type of attachment in the form of adopting, promoting, or wedding yourself to something, such as a cause. The word can imply a degree of zealotry, which means that it is sometimes used in a negative context.

Example(s)

1. There is a large gap between the egalitarian beliefs our boss likes to espouse and his actions. In my book, that makes him something of a hypocrite.

2. That group have been placed on a government watchlist due to their espousal of violence, rather than peaceful protest, as a way of enforcing change.

3. I want our organization to remain apolitical, so staff are directed not to espouse political views while at work or on our social media platforms.