avow

Pronunciation: /əˈvaʊ/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
  2. verb admit openly and bluntly; make no bones about

Etymology

From Middle English avowen, from Old French avouer, from Latin advocare (“to call to, call upon, hence to call as a witness, defender, patron, or advocate”), from ad (“to”) + vocare (“to call”). Doublet of advoke, avouch, and advocate. Not related to vow.

In classic literature

Synonyms

affirm, verify, assert, aver, swan, swear

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
declare
Narrower (hyponyms)
attest, assure, hold, protest, claim

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