espouse
UK[ɪˈspaʊz]US[ɪˈspaʊz]
v
To adopt or give your support to a belief, idea, or cause.
v
(Archaic) To marry.
Morpheme Breakdown
e
spouse
e
out
spouse
to pledge
Etymology
The word 'espouse' originates from the Latin verb 'spondere', meaning 'to promise or pledge solemnly'. This root gave rise to 'sponsus' (betrothed) and entered Old French as 'espouser'. The literal sense was 'to take as a spouse, to marry', which involved a formal promise or pledge. Over time, the meaning broadened metaphorically: just as one pledges oneself to a partner in marriage, one can also pledge or commit oneself to an idea or cause, leading to the modern primary meaning of adopting or supporting a belief.
Analysis
Structure: e (out) + spouse (to pledge)
- e: A prefix from Latin 'ex-', meaning 'out'.
- spouse: A root from Latin 'sponsus', meaning 'betrothed, pledged', derived from 'spondere' (to promise).
Examples
The organization continues to espouse the principles of non-violence.
Many politicians were quick to espouse the popular reform.
In the old tale, the knight sought to espouse the princess.