avow
C2Formal, Literary, Legal
Definition
Meaning
To assert or confess openly, boldly, and without shame.
To declare or affirm something as a fact, often in a formal or public context. It carries a strong sense of personal commitment and willingness to stand by what is declared.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
‘Avow’ implies a direct, conscious admission or declaration, often of something that could be controversial. It is stronger and more formal than ‘admit’ or ‘acknowledge’ and often involves taking personal responsibility for the stated belief or fact.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Both carry connotations of solemnity, honesty, and public declaration. May be perceived as slightly archaic or high-register in both contexts.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday speech for both; slightly more likely to be encountered in British legal or historical contexts, but the difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[S] + avow + [O] (He avowed his guilt.)[S] + avow + that-clause (She avowed that she was responsible.)[S] + avow + [O] + to be + [C] (They avowed him to be their leader.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “An open secret is often an unavowed truth.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in corporate ethics statements: 'The CEO avowed the company's commitment to transparency.'
Academic
Found in philosophy, political theory, or history texts regarding declarations of belief or allegiance.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound unusually formal.
Technical
Used in legal contexts, especially regarding the avowal of facts or testimony.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He felt compelled to avow his prior involvement in the scheme.
- The politician avowed a staunchly eurosceptic position.
American English
- She avowed her belief in the defendant's innocence.
- The group's manifesto avows a commitment to non-violence.
adverb
British English
- 'Avowedly' is the standard adverb, e.g., 'He is avowedly neutral on the issue.'
American English
- 'Avowedly' is the standard adverb, e.g., 'The policy is avowedly progressive.'
adjective
British English
- 'Avowed' is the common adjective form, as in 'an avowed socialist'.
American English
- 'Avowed' is the common adjective form, as in 'an avowed goal'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The minister avowed his support for the new policy.
- She is an avowed critic of the current system.
- In his testimony, he finally avowed his role in the cover-up, much to the jury's surprise.
- The organisation's charter avows a fundamental respect for human dignity above all else.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a VOW. To AVOW is to make a solemn, public VOW or declaration about something.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRUTH/COMMITMENT IS SOMETHING OPENLY DISPLAYED. (Contrasts with hiding or concealing.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'allow' (позволять).
- Closer to 'признавать открыто', 'заявлять', 'провозглашать' than to simple 'говорить'.
- The noun 'avowal' translates as 'открытое признание', 'заявление'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in casual contexts where 'say' or 'admit' is more appropriate.
- Confusing spelling with 'avouch' (archaic) or 'avowal' (noun).
- Incorrect: 'He avowed to leave.' Correct: 'He avowed his intention to leave.' or 'He avowed that he would leave.'
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'avow' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Avow' is more formal and active; it means to declare openly and boldly. 'Admit' often implies reluctance and acknowledges something potentially negative or previously concealed.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word used primarily in writing, legal contexts, or formal speeches.
The noun form is 'avowal', meaning a frank acknowledgment or admission.
Yes, it can be used for any kind of declaration, including guilt, error, or unpopular beliefs (e.g., 'He avowed his guilt', 'She avowed her atheism').