Expostulate

/ɪkˈspɑːstʃəleɪt/ verb

Definition

To express strong disagreement or protest about something, usually by reasoning earnestly with someone.

Etymology

From Latin expostulare (to demand, protest), from ex- (out) + postulare (to demand). This is actually unrelated to 'expose'—it's a completely different root that happens to start with 'expo-'.

Kelly Says

Expostulate is often confused with expose because they sound similar, but they come from totally different Latin roots! To expostulate is to argue or protest (like 'I expostulate against this decision'), while expose means to reveal or uncover.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.