advocates
advocates — noun
1. a lawyer employed to argue a client's case before a judge or jury
a lawyer employed to argue a client's case before a judge or jury
The defence advocate questioned each witness carefully during the trial.
collocation: defence advocate / prosecution advocate
Chen's advocate argued that the evidence did not prove his guilt.
An advocate must present the facts clearly so the jury can understand them.
- lawyer
a broader, everyday term for anyone trained in law; all advocates are lawyers, but not all lawyers act as advocates in court
- barrister
a British English term for a lawyer who argues cases in higher courts; similar to the legal meaning of advocate
- counsel
formal term for the lawyer or team of lawyers representing a client in court
用法筆記
Mainly used in formal legal settings; in Scotland and South Africa this term refers to a barrister. Outside of legal contexts, sense 3 is far more common.
2. a person who represents the interests of someone who has difficulty getting help
a person who represents the interests of someone who has difficulty getting help or making their voice heard on their own
The hospital employs a patient advocate to help families understand their rights.
collocation: patient advocate / victim advocate
Mei-Lin works as an advocate for children who have experienced difficult situations at home.
A community advocate met with local officials to discuss the new housing plan.
The victim's advocate accompanied her to every meeting with the police officers.
- champion
stronger emotional tone; suggests active fighting for a cause or person rather than just speaking on their behalf
- supporter
broader and less formal; a supporter may not take direct action, while an advocate actively represents someone
- representative
focuses on the formal or official role of acting for another person or group
文法句型
advocate for + someone
3. a person who publicly speaks or writes in favour of a particular idea, policy, o
a person who publicly speaks or writes in favour of a particular idea, policy, or change in society
Dr. Osei is a strong advocate for renewable energy across West Africa.
collocation: strong advocate / passionate advocate
Environmental advocates called for stricter rules on plastic waste last year.
plural form: advocates for [cause]
As an advocate of free education, she wrote articles for several newspapers.
The organisation became a leading advocate for digital privacy rights worldwide.
- proponent
more formal; focuses on proposing or putting forward an idea rather than actively campaigning for it
- campaigner
suggests active, organised efforts to achieve change over time, while an advocate may simply argue for the idea
- promoter
more commercial tone; often used for products or events rather than serious causes
文法句型
advocate of + something
用法筆記
This is the most frequent everyday use of the noun. The idea being supported is typically a political, environmental, social, or educational policy.
advocates — verb
1. to speak in favour of an idea, policy, or course of action, encouraging other pe
to speak in favour of an idea, policy, or course of action, encouraging other people to accept it or to act on it
Dr. Kimura advocated for stricter air quality rules during the city council meeting.
advocate + for + noun phrase (policy)
The charity advocates free primary education for every child across the region.
advocate + noun phrase (direct object)
- promote
more active — involves taking steps to make something happen, not just arguing for it
- champion
stronger emotional commitment; often used for a cause or person facing opposition
- back
less formal; can mean giving money or other practical support, not just verbal support
- recommend
focuses on giving a positive opinion rather than arguing publicly
文法句型
advocate + noun phrase
advocate + for + noun phrase
2. to speak up for or support individuals or communities who need assistance, prote
to speak up for or support individuals or communities who need assistance, protection, or just treatment, especially when their own voice is not being heard
A nurse advocated for an elderly couple who lost their home in a fire.
advocate + for + person/group needing help
The organisation has long advocated the rights of migrant workers in the fishing industry.
advocate + noun phrase (rights/interests)
文法句型
advocate + for + person/group
advocate + noun phrase (rights/interests)
3. to present a legal argument before a judge or jury on behalf of someone who is a
to present a legal argument before a judge or jury on behalf of someone who is accused of a crime
Ms. Okafor has advocated for several high-profile defendants at the Old Bailey.
advocate + for + defendant (legal context)
A barrister must be ready to advocate any case, no matter how difficult.
advocate + noun phrase (case)
- prosecute
to bring a case against someone in court, which is the opposite of arguing on their behalf
文法句型
advocate + noun phrase (case/client)
advocate + for + defendant
用法筆記
This sense is most common in British English and legal systems that follow British traditions. In American English the verb 'advocate' is rarely used in a courtroom context; 'defend' is the usual word.