ad-

to, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

Forms

ad-
ac- — Used before c in Latin.
af- — Used before f in Latin.
ag- — Used before g in Latin.
al- — Used before l in Latin.
ap- — Used before p in Latin.
ar- — Used before r in Latin.
as- — Used before s in Latin.
at- — Used before t in Latin.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *ad, ‘to; near.’

Note

Later Latin-based spellings sometimes restored consonants that had disappeared in French.

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noun / verb

advocate

AD-vuh-kayt/ˈædvʌkʌt/

Speaking in support of a person, group, or cause.

The speaker advocates an accessible playground using a model with a ramp.

A speaker publicly recommends a proposed accessible playground by presenting a simple model with a ramp and swing to three attentive neighbors, open confident hand gesture, no signs or text.

Etymology

adLatinto, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

+vocateLatincall, summon

The pieces give the image of someone ‘called to’ another’s aid, especially to plead on that person's behalf. To advocate carries that representative role into speaking publicly in favor of a cause or idea.

In context

BibleProject2:25

It means taking steps to advocate for the vulnerable and changing social structures to prevent injustice.

This Justice Is Not Revenge

More examples

She became an advocate for safer streets.
They advocated changing the policy.
The group is advocating reform.

Forms

advocate · advocates · advocated · advocating

advocacy noun — public support for a cause

Similar words

support: Can be private or practical rather than public argument.
champion: Suggests vigorous, sustained support for a cause.