expectorate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɪkˈspɛk.tə.reɪt/
KK: /ɪkˈspɛk.tə.reɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To cough up and spit out material from the lungs or throat.
Example
He had to expectorate frequently due to his cold.
Tense Forms
Past: expectorated
Past Participle: expectorated
Conversation
I think I caught a cold; I've been having to expectorate quite a bit.
Oh no, that's not fun at all!
Yeah, it's really annoying when I can't stop coughing.
Make sure to drink plenty of fluids; it should help with the need to expectorate.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
spit
cough
gag
Antonyms
swallow
inhale
retain
transitive verb
Definition
To cough up and spit out something from the mouth.
Example
He had to expectorate the phlegm that was bothering him.
Tense Forms
Past: expectorated
Past Participle: expectorated
Conversation
I really hate when I have to expectorate in public.
Yeah, it can be so awkward, right?
Exactly! I try to avoid it as much as possible.
Root Explanation
Expectorate → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "pectorare" (from "pectus", meaning chest). The word means to expel or cough out from the chest, particularly in reference to phlegm or mucus.
Memory Tip
Think of 'expelling' something 'out' ('ex-') from your 'chest' ('pectorare') — that's why expectorate means to cough something out.
Visually Confused Words
unexpectorated
electorate
execrate
rectorate
lectorate
excoriate