advocate
AD-vuh-kayt
/ˈæd.və.keɪt/
To publicly recommend or support a particular cause or policy; (n) a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause.
Advocacy implies a public or legal stance, often on behalf of someone else who may not have a voice.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'advocatus', meaning 'one called to aid'. In ancient Rome, an advocatus was a friend called to stand by a person in court to provide support and legal advice.
Word relationships
- proponent: A proponent simply argues in favor of something; an advocate often takes active steps to represent a group.
- adversary: An adversary is an opponent who works against a cause rather than for it.
Commonly confused with
- champion: Advocating is about speaking for a cause; championing is about leading the charge for it.
Word family
- advocacy (noun): The act or process of supporting a cause.
Collocations
- advocate for change
- fierce advocate
- patient advocate
Idioms & expressions
- devil's advocate
Example sentences
- "The organization advocates for the rights of migrant workers." Legal and social reform
- "I am an advocate of the people, and I will not be silenced." A classic literary call to action
Memory hook
Think of 'adding' your 'voice' (voc) to a cause. Add-a-voice.
When not to use
Avoid using it for casual suggestions, like 'advocating' for a pizza topping, unless you are being intentionally dramatic.
Fun facts
- In many European languages, the word for 'lawyer' (like 'avocat' in French) is a direct descendant of advocate.
Related words
Explore more words
advocacy, champion, endorse, agitate, endorsement, vociferous
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