verb
avow
uh-VOW/əˈvaʊ/
To declare openly and firmly.
She avows her opposition to the proposal before the vote.
Etymology
Calling someone to one’s aid developed into acknowledging or standing by someone, especially a protector. From that acknowledgment came the sense of declaring something openly and firmly.
In context
for some time I was lost in conjecture as to the cause of this but yesterday an idea struck me and if it is well founded I conjure you to avow it
More examples
- He openly avowed his loyalty to the movement.
- The candidate refused to avow any connection with the group.
- They are avowing a commitment to more transparent decisions.
Forms
avow · avows · avowed · avowing
avowal noun — An open and firm declaration of belief.
Similar words
- declare
- Can state any fact or intention without a personal commitment.
- profess
- Often states a belief publicly without establishing its sincerity.