espousal

[ ih-spou-zuhl, -suhl ]

noun

1. adoption or advocacy, as of a cause or principle.
2. Sometimes espousals.
   1. a marriage ceremony.
   2. an engagement or betrothal celebration.

espousal

/ ɪˈspaʊzəl /

noun

1. adoption or support

   an espousal of new beliefs

2. archaic.
   sometimes plural a marriage or betrothal ceremony

Other Words From

• nones·pousal noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of espousal¹

1275–1325; Middle English espousaille < Middle French, Old French espousailles < Latin spōnsālia (noun use of neuter plural of spōnsālis ), equivalent to spōns ( us ) spouse + -ālia -al ²

Example Sentences

“This repertoire — with its contrapuntal extravaganzas, its antiphonal balances, its espousal of instruments that chuff and wheeze and speak directly to a microphone — was made for stereo,” he wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

“The word took on negative connotations as it was applied first to hypocritical patriots — those who espoused loyalty to the Crown but whose actions belied that espousal,” the dictionary further explained.

From Los Angeles Times

In contrast to the Senate contest, Shapiro has run comfortably ahead of Mastriano in the gubernatorial contest, polls show, as many independents and some Republicans reject Mastriano’s far-right extremism and espousal of Christian nationalist views.

From Washington Post

House Democrats signaled they plan to push ahead with a vote to strip committee assignments from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for her espousal of conspiracy theories and moves that have threatened some of her colleagues.

From Washington Times

They have been urged on by Mr. Trump, whose own espousal of conspiracy theories and continual railing against the political establishment have cleared a path for QAnon candidates.

From New York Times