Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions History

Literary notes about Expatiate (AI summary)

Expatiate is often used by authors to indicate that a speaker or narrator is moving into an extended, detailed discussion of a subject. In literary works, this term can signal either a willingness to elaborate extensively—as when a character describes literary tastes in great detail [1]—or a deliberate choice to refrain from overindulgence in detail, as seen when the speaker declares, "I must not expatiate upon this subject" [2]. It thus functions both as a stylistic cue for verbosity and as a marker for restraint, depending on context. Classic authors sometimes use it to impose a measured pause before introducing new discussions, while in other instances it highlights the theatrical flourish of extended commentary, whether for humorous exaggeration or dramatic effect [3].
  1. And as they rode homeward Grimes went on to expatiate at length upon Marian's reputed literary tastes and acquirements.
    — from The Thorn in the Nest by Martha Finley
  2. But I must not expatiate upon this subject.
    — from Evelina, Or, the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World by Fanny Burney
  3. From his mighty bulk the whale affords a most congenial theme whereon to enlarge, amplify, and generally expatiate.
    — from Moby Dick; Or, The Whale by Herman Melville

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux