espouse

IPA/ɪˈspaʊz/
KK[ɪspˈaʊz]IPA/ɪˈspaʊz/

espouse — verb

  • espousepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • espouseshe / she / it
  • espousedpast simple
  • espousing-ing form

1. to publicly support and commit yourself to a particular idea, belief, policy, or

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to publicly support and commit yourself to a particular idea, belief, policy, or cause — for example, espousing gender equality, free education, or environmental protection as an important value that you actively promote.

例句

Brooke espoused the belief that every child deserves free access to public libraries.

espouse + belief + that-clause

When asked about climate change, Tomás espoused a plan to plant ten thousand trees.

espouse + noun phrase object (plan)

同義詞
  • advocate

    stronger emphasis on actively arguing or speaking in favour, while espouse focuses on adopting as one's own

  • embrace

    warmer, more enthusiastic tone; embrace an idea feels more emotional than espouse

  • champion

    implies actively fighting and working on behalf of something, more action-oriented than espouse

  • endorse

    weaker than espouse; endorse means to give formal approval, not necessarily to adopt as a personal commitment

反義詞
  • oppose

    to be against an idea or policy, the opposite of supporting it

  • reject

    to refuse to accept or believe in something

文法句型

espouse + noun phrase (belief/policy/cause/idea)

espouse + the belief/view/principle + that-clause

用法筆記

Typically used with abstract objects such as beliefs, policies, causes, or principles — not with concrete actions or people. Frequently found in formal writing, political discourse, and academic contexts.

常見錯誤

❌The minister espoused the homeless family with food and blankets.
✅The minister supported the homeless family with food and blankets.
💡'espouse' cannot mean to provide practical help; it means to publicly commit to an idea or cause.

2. an old-fashioned or literary word meaning to take someone as a husband or wife,

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

an old-fashioned or literary word meaning to take someone as a husband or wife, used in historical tales, poetry, and formal marriage ceremonies.

例句

In the old legend, Prince Hari espoused a princess from a neighbouring kingdom.

archaic literary register

The ballad tells of a knight who espoused a village girl despite his family's objections.

同義詞
  • marry

    the standard modern term; neutral in register

  • wed

    slightly formal or literary, but still more common than espouse

反義詞

文法句型

espouse + person as object

用法筆記

Archaic or literary usage only. In modern everyday English, use 'marry' instead. This sense is rarely encountered outside historical fiction, classic literature, or formal ceremonial contexts.

常見錯誤

❌My aunt and uncle espoused last spring.
✅My aunt and uncle got married last spring.
💡'espouse' in the marriage sense sounds unnatural and old-fashioned in modern speech.