Advocate

/ˈædvəkət/

verbIntermediate🔥Very CommonAction
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To plead in favor of; to support or defend.

/ˈædvəkət/

verbneutralIntermediate
Action

To publicly recommend or support

He advocated for the rights of the marginalized.

💡 Simply: To speak up for something or someone.

More Examples

2

They advocated for change within the organization.

How It's Used

Law

"The lawyer advocated for his client's innocence."

Politics

"She advocates for stricter gun control laws."

2

A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.

/ˈædvəkət/

nounneutralIntermediate
Person

He is a strong advocate for animal rights.

💡 Simply: A person who speaks up for something.

More Examples

2

She's a vocal advocate for social justice.

How It's Used

Social Activism

"She's a passionate advocate for environmental protection."

Legal

"The defense lawyer acted as an advocate for his client."

Tip:Someone who 'ad' (to) + 'vocate' (speak) for a cause.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

advocate for

To publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy.

"She advocates for better working conditions."

From Latin *advocatus*, meaning "one who is called to aid another," from *advocare*, "to call to one's aid." The word has evolved over time, retaining its core meaning of support and pleading.

Historically, the term 'advocate' was primarily used in legal contexts, referring to lawyers who spoke for their clients. Its modern usage has broadened to encompass wider social and political causes.

Memory tip

Think 'ad' (to) + 'vocate' (speak) - to speak for someone.

Word Origin

Original meaning

"to call to one's aid"

Base: advocate
advocate forstrong advocatepassionate advocate

Common misspellings

advoacteadvacateadvokat

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written