noun
advocate
AD-vuh-kuht
noun
1
A person who publicly supports or argues in favor of a cause, policy, or another person.
"She became an outspoken advocate for renewable energy."
"He acted as an advocate for his younger brother during the dispute."
2
A lawyer, especially one who represents a client in court.
"In Scotland, a trial lawyer who appears in the higher courts is called an advocate."
verb
1
To publicly support or argue in favor of something.
"The report advocates stricter regulation of online privacy."
How to Use Advocate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo support or argue for something publicly (verb), or a person who does that, or a courtroom lawyer (noun).
Common mistake
As a verb, advocate is not usually followed by "for" in formal writing ("advocate change," not "advocate for change"), though "advocate for" is extremely common and accepted in everyday use.
Common pairings
advocate for
strong advocate
advocate change
Word Forms
advocated past tense, advocates plural, advocates singular
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She became an outspoken _____ for renewable energy.
Etymology
From Latin advocātus, "one called to help," related to advocāre, "to call for" — a calque of the Greek term behind English "paraclete."