advocate
to publicly support or argue for
In more detail
1. (verb) to publicly support or recommend something
2. (noun) a person who supports or promotes a cause
3. (noun) a lawyer
Examples
- 1. Many doctors advocate for stricter food safety regulations.
- 2. She is a strong advocate for children's rights.
- 3. The advocate presented her client's case in court.
How to use advocate
As a verb, 'advocate' means to publicly support a cause or policy, often implying active promotion. As a noun, it refers to someone who supports a cause or represents clients in legal contexts. The verb emphasizes speaking out in favor of something; the noun emphasizes the person doing the supporting or representing.
Common phrases
- advocate for change
- advocate strongly
- advocate on behalf of
- passionate advocate
- legal advocate
- consumer advocate
Synonyms
support · champion · promote · recommend · push for
Opposites
oppose · undermine · discourage
Word family
advocacy (noun) · advocate (noun/verb) · advocate's (possessive)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 'advocate' with 'advocate for'—both are correct, but 'advocate for' is more common in modern English, while 'advocate' alone (without 'for') can sound slightly formal or dated.
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