expatiate

[ ik-spey-shee-eyt ]

verb (used without object)

, ex·pa·ti·at·ed, ex·pa·ti·at·ing.

1. to enlarge in discourse or writing; be copious in description or discussion:

   to expatiate upon a theme.

2. Archaic. to move or wander about intellectually, imaginatively, etc., without restraint.

expatiate

/ ɪkˈspeɪʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. foll byon or upon to enlarge (on a theme, topic, etc) at length or in detail; elaborate (on)
2. rare.
   to wander about

Derived Forms

• exˈpatiˌator, noun
• exˌpatiˈation, noun

Other Words From

• ex·pati·ation noun
• ex·pati·ator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of expatiate¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin expatiātus, past participle of ex(s)patiārī “to wander, digress,” equivalent to ex- “from, out of, beyond” + spatiārī “to walk about,” derivative of spatium “area, space, playing field, racetrack”; -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of expatiate¹

C16: from Latin exspatiārī to digress, from spatiārī to walk about

Example Sentences

It’s all there in the Reuters reporting, and there is no need to expatiate on the obvious immorality of the operation, quite apart from its colossal stupidity.

From Salon

Do not be afraid to expatiate on all the ways you are a bigger person — there are probably lots!

From Washington Post

Dr. Trefusis expatiated at somewhat galling length upon my achievements; which accolades Lord Dunmore received with kind pleasure, saying, “Faith, excellent! Excellent! You are brave boys, all of you.”

From Literature

When the baron expatiated upon the superior practices of Europe, the Indians were baffled.

From Literature

We took long walks in the botanical garden in the Bronx, where he could expatiate on every species of fern.

From The Guardian