advocate
AD-vuh-kayt · verb
To publicly support or recommend a cause, policy, or course of action.
Memory connection
Picture “add your voice”
A volunteer adds her voice to a public call for cleaner buses, speaking clearly in support of the proposal.
The sound cue helps you reach the scene; the action in the scene carries you from the scene to the definition.
Use it accurately
Meaning in context
Health workers advocate expanding access to preventive care in rural communities.
The report advocates a gradual transition rather than an immediate ban.
As a verb, advocate can take a noun directly or a gerund: advocate reform; advocate changing the rule. As a noun, it means a supporter or representative.
Common patterns
- advocate for
- strongly advocate
- an advocate of
Quick check
Can you retrieve the meaning?
What does an environmental advocate do?
Choose an answer, then explain it in your own words.