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espousal Definition

es·pousal (e spo̵uzəl, i-)

noun

    1. a betrothal or betrothal ceremony
    2. a marriage or wedding
  1. an espousing (of some cause, idea, etc.); advocacy

Etymology: ME espousaile < OFr espousailles (pl.) < L sponsalia < sponsus (fem. sponsa): see spouse

espousal Synonyms

espousal

n.

  1. Support

    adoption, advocacy, promotion; see aid 1.

  2. Marriage

    wedding, betrothal, matrimony; see marriage 1.

espousal Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • cause: And this espousal of the cause of the private landowners, the small farmers and small ranchers, is evident throughout his work.
  • theory: Magonia has become well known among many ufologists for its espousal of the psychosocial theory of UFOs.
  • value: This is also apparent in their espousal of green values and their attempt to infiltrate and exploit the ecological movement.
  • level: The worst example of this is the British espousal of the level playing field.

Adjective modifier

  • passionate: He compelled attention by his strenuous activity, his passionate espousal of causes, and his enthusiasm for a constructive measure.

Browse dictionary entries near espousal

  1. Espoo
  2. esplanade
  3. espionage
  4. espial
  5. Esperanto
  6. especially
  7. especial
  8. esparto
  9. espalier
  10. espadrille
  1. espouse
  2. espresso
  3. esprit
  4. esprit d'escalier
  5. esprit de corps
  6. espy
  7. Esq
  8. -esque
  9. Esquiline
  10. Esquimau