avow

[ uh-vou ]

verb (used with object)

1. to declare frankly or openly; assert; confess; admit:

   He avowed himself an opponent of all alliances.

   Synonyms: profess, own, declare, affirm, acknowledge

   Antonyms: repudiate, disavow, deny

avow

/ əˈvaʊd; əˈvaʊ; əˈvaʊɪdlɪ /

verb

1. to state or affirm
2. to admit openly
3. rare.
   law to justify or maintain (some action taken)

Derived Forms

• aˈvowable, adjective
• aˈvowal, noun
• aˈvower, noun
• avowedly, adverb
• avowed, adjective

Other Words From

• a·vowa·ble adjective
• a·vower noun
• rea·vow verb (used with object)
• una·vowa·ble adjective
• una·vowa·ble·ness noun
• una·vowa·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of avow¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English avowen, from Old French avoue(r), from Latin advocāre; advocate

Word History and Origins

Origin of avow¹

C13: from Old French avouer to confess, from Latin advocāre to appeal to, call upon; see avouch , advocate

Example Sentences

And if they refuse to so avow, suddenly finding themselves with a challenge from the right?

From The Daily Beast

And if they do so avow—well, the worst scenario is as follows.

From The Daily Beast

It will instead avow a Republicanism that is culturally modern, economically inclusive, and environmentally responsible.

From The Daily Beast

Sorry, tannin fans: “In contrast to results for coffee, no effect was observed for drinking tea,” the authors avow.

From The Daily Beast

If I am returned, my main object, I avow it frankly, will be to make them the standing order.

From Project Gutenberg

General Stanhope then repeated to him, all that the impassioned resentment of Ripperda had excited him to avow.

From Project Gutenberg

The millions in the world who conscientiously disclaim the supremacy of the Pope, at least openly avow it.

From Project Gutenberg

The young scholar always allows himself a number of libertine sonnets, and we avow it is particularly disagreeable to us.

From Project Gutenberg

He would candidly avow, however, that he despaired of seeing the question brought to a speedy and satisfactory settlement.

From Project Gutenberg