advocate
/ˈæd.və.kɪt/A person who actively and publicly supports a cause, group, or idea. In some countries such as Scotland and India, it also means a lawyer who represents people in court.
- She is a passionate advocate for women's education.
- The organization needs more advocates to speak up for refugees.
- He worked as an advocate in the Bombay High Court for thirty years.
To publicly recommend or speak in favour of a particular cause, policy, or action. As a verb, it is pronounced /ˈæd.və.keɪt/.
- The report advocates stricter rules on carbon emissions.
- Many doctors advocate regular exercise for mental health.
- She advocates for better access to clean water in rural areas.
Adinary Nuance
"Advocate" is stronger and more committed than "support" — to advocate is to speak up actively and repeatedly, often for a group or cause facing opposition, not simply to quietly agree. Compared to "endorse," which is usually a single, formal act of approval (like signing a statement), advocating implies ongoing, vocal engagement over time. "Champion" is close in intensity but suggests being the most visible, leading voice — you champion a cause when you are its primary hero or spokesperson. "Promote" focuses on spreading awareness or building interest, and lacks the protective, defensive energy that "advocate" carries.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Người ủng hộ / ủng hộ
- Spanish
- defensor / abogar
- Chinese
- 倡导者 / 倡导
- Japanese
- 支持者 / 提唱する
- Korean
- 옹호자 / 옹호하다
Etymology
From Latin "advocatus," meaning "one called to give aid," derived from "advocare" — combining "ad-" (to) and "vocare" (to call). The word entered English in the 14th century through Old French "avocat."
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'advocate' a noun or a verb?
- It is both. As a noun (/ˈæd.və.kɪt/), it describes a person who supports a cause. As a verb (/ˈæd.və.keɪt/), it means to publicly recommend or support something. The spelling is the same, but the pronunciation changes slightly.
- Should I write 'advocate' or 'advocate for' in an IELTS essay?
- Both are correct, but usage differs. In British English, 'advocate' is often followed directly by a noun: 'experts advocate a balanced diet.' In American English, 'advocate for' is more common: 'she advocates for equal pay.' Either is acceptable in IELTS writing — just be consistent.
- Is 'advocate' a formal word?
- Yes, 'advocate' is formal and is very common in academic, legal, and professional writing. In everyday speech, people more often say 'support' or 'stand up for.' Use 'advocate' in essays, reports, and formal presentations.
- What does 'play devil's advocate' mean?
- 'Play devil's advocate' means to argue against an idea on purpose — not because you believe it, but to test the idea or start a discussion. It is a common phrase in academic debate and workplace meetings.