expound

This term carries a heavy weight of formality and intellectual rigor. It suggests a structured, comprehensive delivery of information rather than a casual explanation. When someone expounds, they are not merely clarifying a point but are unfolding a complex set of ideas in a methodical sequence, often associated with academic, legal, or theological discourse.

Using this word implies a certain level of authority or expertise on the part of the speaker. While "explain" is neutral and versatile, "expound" specifically evokes the image of a lecture or a formal treatise, where the goal is to provide an exhaustive account of a philosophy or system.