avowed
|a-vowed|
/əˈvaʊ/
(avow)
openly declare
Etymology
'avowed' originates from Old French 'avouer', specifically the word 'avouer', where the prefix 'a-' (from Latin ad-) meant 'to/toward' and the root is ultimately related to Latin 'vovēre' (to vow or promise).
'avowed' changed from Old French 'avouer' into Middle English forms such as 'avowen' and 'avow', and the past/past-participle/adjectival form developed into modern English 'avowed'.
Initially, the root carried the sense 'to vow or declare (often under oath)', and over time it evolved into the general modern sense 'publicly declared or acknowledged', which is retained in 'avowed'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
past tense or past participle form of 'avow' (to assert or confess openly).
He avowed that he had made a mistake.
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Adjective 1
openly declared, acknowledged, or admitted; stated publicly or plainly (often used before a noun).
She is an avowed supporter of the movement.
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Last updated: 2025/09/03 08:56