Advocate

/ˈædvəkeɪt/intermediateverb/noun

Courts use it, nonprofits print it on business cards, and anyone who has spoken up in a meeting when it was easier to stay quiet has played the part.

Learn This Word

Meaning

To publicly recommend or support; a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.

Memory trick

Think "AD-VO-CATE" = "ADD YOUR VOICE + CATE (category)", adding your voice to support a category/cause. Advocate = voice support.

Examples

1

She advocates for better mental health services.

2

He is a strong advocate of renewable energy.

3

The organization advocates policy changes to protect wildlife.

Synonyms

supportchampionpromoteendorserecommendproponentsupporter

Antonyms

opposecriticopponentadversarydetractor

Etymology

From Latin advocatus "one called to aid," from advocare "to call to one's aid," from ad- "to" + vocare "to call."

Usage Notes

Can be used as both a verb (to advocate) and a noun (an advocate). Common in political, social, and legal contexts.

Real-life contexts

1

Express support: "I advocate for equal rights."

2

Describe role: "She's an advocate for children."

3

Use professionally: "We advocate policy reform."

Common Mistakes

As a verb, use "advocate for" something. As a noun, you're "an advocate of" something.

Advocate: Sharp Definition, Examples & Memory Trick | WordFlippin