openly declare or admit

avow

verb|/əˈvaʊ/

Assert or confess openly and without shame

Examples

In a meeting

The CEO avowed his commitment to transparency during the town hall.

Over coffee

She avowed her love for reality TV without any embarrassment.

Why this word

admit

Avow means openly declaring or asserting something, while admit suggests reluctant acknowledgment

declare

Avow emphasizes frank, often courageous acknowledgment, while declare is neutral public statement

say

Avow means openly and boldly affirming, especially beliefs or positions, while say is neutral speech

Usage tip

Use for bold, public declarations. More formal than 'admit' and carries a tone of pride or certainty.

Etymology

Old French 'avouer' — to acknowledge, from Latin 'advocare' (to call upon)

Get a new word every morning

One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.

Related words