Meaning & use
advocates
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“advocates” is a form of “advocate”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
People who publicly support a cause, policy or idea and speak up for it.
Grammar: Plural of advocate; often followed by of or for: advocates of reform.
Patterns
- advocates of something
- advocates for someone
Advocates of cycling want more protected bike lanes.
Patient advocates helped families understand their rights.
Climate advocates gathered outside the city hall.
nounplurallegalScottish
Lawyers in Scotland and some other places who argue cases in court.
Grammar: Plural; in this sense it is a job title.
Patterns
- advocates for the defense
Scottish advocates present cases in the higher courts.
The advocates argued the appeal before three judges.
Several advocates took part in the legal debate.
verbtransitiveformal
Third person singular of advocate: to publicly recommend or support something.
Grammar: Takes an object or -ing form: she advocates change; he advocates walking.
Patterns
- someone advocates something
- someone advocates doing something
She advocates better pay for nurses.
The group advocates reducing plastic packaging.
He advocates a simpler tax system.
Word forms
| singular | advocate |
|---|
Common combinations
- strong advocates
- She is one of the strong advocates of free school meals.
- advocates for change
- Advocates for change filled the hall.
- patient advocates
- Patient advocates help people deal with hospitals.
- advocates of reform
- Advocates of reform met the minister.
- vocal advocates
- The mayor is among the vocal advocates of the new park.
Synonyms and how they differ
- supporters
- Supporters is general and can be passive, while advocates actively speak up for a cause.
- champions
- Champions suggests passion and effort on behalf of a cause or group, and sounds slightly more dramatic.
- proponents
- Proponents is more formal and stresses supporting an idea or proposal in debate.
- campaigners
- Campaigners suggests organized public activity, whereas advocates may simply speak in favor.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: advocates or advocate for?
advocates vs advocate for
As a verb, advocate usually takes an object directly, as in advocates change. Advocate for is common in American English but some writers avoid it.
Practice
Which sentence uses advocates correctly as a verb?
Choose one answer.
Advocate takes an -ing form or an object. The other options break the pattern.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “advocates”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.