Avowal is a term used to describe the act of openly declaring or admitting something, often a belief or feeling that one has kept hidden. It is a powerful word that can have significant implications for both the speaker and the listener. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of avowal, its origins, and its associations in different contexts.
Definitions
The term avowal is defined as “an open and public declaration of one’s beliefs, opinions, or intentions” by the Oxford English Dictionary. It can also refer to the act of admitting to something that was previously concealed or denied. Avowal is often associated with honesty, integrity, and courage, as it requires the speaker to be forthright and open about their thoughts or feelings.
Origin
The word avowal comes from the Old French term avouer, which means “to acknowledge or confess.” It entered the English language in the 14th century and has been used ever since to describe the act of openly declaring one’s beliefs or feelings.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of avowal is consistent across different dictionaries. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “an open acknowledgment or declaration.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “an act of admitting or declaring something openly and publicly.” The Collins Dictionary defines it as “an open statement of one’s views or feelings.”
Associations
Avowal is often associated with courage, honesty, and integrity. It requires the speaker to be forthright and open about their thoughts or feelings, which can be a challenging thing to do. Avowal can also be associated with vulnerability, as the act of admitting to something can make the speaker feel exposed or unprotected.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for avowal, including declaration, admission, confession, assertion, and affirmation. These words all refer to the act of openly declaring or acknowledging something.
Antonyms
The antonyms of avowal include denial, concealment, suppression, and evasion. These words all refer to the act of hiding or denying something.
The same root words
The root word of avowal is “avow,” which means “to assert or confess openly.” Other words that share this root include “avowedly,” “avower,” and “avowing.”
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that demonstrate the use of avowal:
- “Her avowal of love took him by surprise.”
- “The politician’s avowal of his beliefs won him many supporters.”
- “The athlete’s avowal of his doping scandal shocked the world.”
- “His avowal of his guilt in the crime was a turning point in the trial.”
- “The artist’s avowal of her inspiration for the painting gave it new meaning.”