promulgate
promulgate — verb
- promulgatepresent simple I / you / we / they
- promulgateshe / she / it
- promulgatedpast simple
- promulgating-ing form
1. to actively promote a particular set of beliefs, opinions, or information so tha
to actively promote a particular set of beliefs, opinions, or information so that a large number of people encounter and consider them, often as part of a campaign intended to shape public thinking — for instance, travelling to different communities to give talks, distributing pamphlets, or posting regularly on social media about a cause.
Gita spent years promulgating her ideas about sustainable farming across rural communities in northern India.
promulgate + ideas about [topic] across [region/group]
The environmental group used short videos to promulgate their message about the dangers of plastic pollution.
Through his popular online lectures, Professor Mateo promulgated a new approach to teaching mathematics to young children.
Missionaries in the eighteenth century promulgated Christian teachings throughout the islands of the South Pacific.
- propagate
more biological/technical; used for ideas spreading through a population (like a meme or belief system), whereas 'promulgate' emphasises deliberate top-down promotion
- disseminate
neutral and information-focused; often used for distributing research, data, or official documents to a target audience
- broadcast
refers specifically to mass-media transmission (radio, TV, social platforms); less formal and less deliberate than 'promulgate'
- circulate
implies passive or peer-to-peer spread rather than an active campaign by a central promoter
文法句型
promulgate + noun phrase (beliefs, ideas, message)
用法筆記
Frequently carries a tone of intentional advocacy — the subject is typically an institution, movement leader, or committed individual who actively works to persuade others, not just casually mention an idea.
常見錯誤
2. to formally publish or declare a piece of legislation, regulation, or policy so
to formally publish or declare a piece of legislation, regulation, or policy so that citizens become aware of their new legal obligations — for example, when a government prints a new rule in the official record or a city council reads a new ordinance at a public session.
In 2024 the Indonesian government promulgated a regulation requiring all large companies to report their carbon emissions annually.
promulgate a regulation — government + legal context
The Seoul city council promulgated an ordinance that bans single-use plastic cups in all public parks.
promulgate an ordinance
Last month the Kenyan Ministry of Health promulgated new guidelines for the safe disposal of medical waste.
Before a tax law can take effect, the finance ministry must formally promulgate it in the official gazette.
- proclaim
more dramatic and ceremonial; often used for declarations of independence, royal announcements, or historic moments
- announce
neutral and general; lacks the formal, official weight of 'promulgate'
- enact
means to make a bill into law (legislative process), not just to announce it afterwards
- decree
used when a ruler or authority issues an order; more authoritarian in tone
- repeal
to cancel or withdraw a law that was previously promulgated
文法句型
promulgate + noun phrase (law, regulation, ordinance, decree)
用法筆記
In legal contexts 'promulgate' is distinct from 'enact' — enactment is the legislative vote that creates the law, while promulgation is the subsequent official publication that notifies the public. The subject is always a government body, ministry, council, or other formal authority.