voc-, voca-, vocab-, vocat-, -vocation, -vocative, -vocable, vok-, -voke

1. To admit openly and bluntly: Shirley avowed that she was innocent of the accusations made by her coworker.
2. To declare or to affirm solemnly and formally as true: At the end of most wedding ceremonies, couples make their promises in which they avow their commitment to each other.
3. To acknowledge openly, boldly, and unashamedly: In the short story that Jim was reading, the knight avowed to kill the dragon and to save the princess!
4. Etymology: from Latin, vocare, "to call". From Old French avouer, "acknowledge, accept"; especially, as a protector, from Latin advocare.

Relating to something that is openly expressed and free from doubt: Mark's avowable statements clarified his political position at the conference.

The situation or quality of being openly confirmed with confidence: The avowableness of Lenora's statements were considered to be valid and acceptable by her supervisor.

1. A statement asserting the existence or the truth of something: The couple exchanged avowals of their love for each other.
2. A frank admission or statement that something actually did or did not happen: Jake's avowal that he didn't do anything wrong was proven to be untrue.

Referring to how something is openly declared or confirmed: Carl admitted that he has an avowedly simple lifestyle.

The candidate for the office of mayor is avowedly conservative in her political beliefs.

The state, or fact, of being positively stated: Jeffrey's avowedness was supported by his good behavior and other related actions that proved that he was honest.

1. A person who promises to honestly and resolutely do something: Both the bride and the groom are avowers in that they pledge love and faith to one another through good and difficult times throughout their lives.
2. Someone who is recognized for his or her integrity and who speaks honestly: Tom was a very respected avower by his classmates because he always stood up for the truth no matter who was involved in the controversy or problem at the time.

The recognition and justification of taking things by a defendant in an action or a legal act, or writ, to recover goods by someone who claims to own them and who promises to have the claim tested later in court.

1. A large formal assembly; such as, of a college or university community, or the senior members of a church: Every ten years a convocation at the conservatory of music takes place for all the alumni where they enjoy meeting and talking with their old classmates after the president’s speech.
2. The arranging, or calling together, of a formal meeting: A convocation was decided upon so that the heads of the language departments could decide about the use of the funds which were appropriated to them from the state.
3. Etymology: from Latin convocationem, from convocare, "to call together"; from com-, "together" + vocare, "to call"; from vox, "voice".

To call a formal meeting or to call people together for a meeting: The organization's leaders are convoking to discuss important financial issues next week.

Someone who brings people together to meet or to assemble as a group: All the students at the school were called to the large hall by the principal, or convoker, to inform them of the importance of attending school on a regular basis because of the upcoming exams.

To deny any knowledge of, responsibility for, or any association with someone or something: Jack suddenly disavowed his friendship with Susan, although they had had many good times together over the years.

1. The denial of any connection with, or knowledge of, someone or something: Bob's disavowals indicated that he had no idea as to how the window was broken at the back of his house.
2. A repudiation or denial: Lucinda's disavowal indicated that there was no way that she could know what the other students were talking about.

A reference to disclaiming any association with, or connection with, and repudiating any responsibility for any action that has taken place: Greg disavowedly stated that he never had anything to do with the crime that was committed yesterday.

A person who refuses to acknowledge, who disclaims knowledge of, responsibility for, or any association with someone or something: The disavower, or denier, turned out to be little Tim, who said he had nothing to do with breaking the dish in the kitchen!