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to advocate

to advocate

343 3.7
To support a cause or policy in public
  • verb
  • /ˈæd.və.keɪt/
translation icon : abogar por
  • During the meeting, he will advocate for more funding for public education.
  • advocate for policies
  • advocate for resources
  • advocate for programs

The skeptics themselves are advocating a way of life.

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Examples

  • She decided to advocate for stronger environmental protections in her community.

  • But I would actually advocate for joining a group.

  • Some even advocate criminal proceedings.

  • And I'll offer some suggestions as you advocate in your schools, communities, and states.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Throughout all phases of family intervention, treatment providers encourage and advocate for the education of homeless children.

    Academic text (2011)
  • But until then, teacher-librarians can advocate for their place on school and district-wide literacy teams.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Four Pepperdine alumni traveled to Uganda to advocate for children held in prison without trial.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The organization aims to advocate for the rights of marginalized groups.

Synonyms

to recommend
vsto advocate
2.1

To suggest someone or something as a good choice

is a stronger public backing than a simple suggestion
to urge
vsto advocate
591 3.2

To strongly encourage someone to do something

is public backing of an idea rather than urging action
to stand for
vsto advocate
215 2.8

To publicly support an idea or cause

is public support that does not imply representation
to preach
vsto advocate
192 3.8

Talk to people to persuade them to support a cause

is public support expressed without strong moral fervor
to endorse
vsto advocate
183 4.2

To publicly show support for a person or idea

focuses more on active promotion than formal approval
to advocate for
vsto advocate
69 3.9

Publicly support a cause, policy, or idea

is the same public support without the extra preposition
to champion
vsto advocate
64 4.2

To publicly support a cause or person

is public support that may not involve active fighting
to espouse
vsto advocate
  • Formal
52 7.8

To accept and support a belief, cause, or way of life

is public recommendation rather than private personal adoption

Phrasal Verbs

Publicly support a cause, policy, or idea

Publicly support changes to make things better

To support the rights of a group or person, often in law

Compounds

A person who says an opposite or unpopular opinion to start a discussion

judge advocate
  • Specialized
4 7.4

An officer in the military who gives legal advice and handles law for soldiers

1 9.1

A senior military lawyer who gives legal advice to a branch of the armed forces

A person who defends people or ideas that others criticize

How Active

to campaign
344 3.9
to advocate
343 3.7
to mention
1.0

Surface Forms

advocate infinitive
advocated past
advocated past participle
advocating present participle
advocates third person singular

Etymology

The word advocate comes from Latin ad- 'to' and vocare 'to call' and is the same root as voice and vocal. So, to advocate is to 'call out' or speak up for a cause.