To declare is to make a formal, definitive statement that carries official weight or public importance.
Mot en 30 secondes
- To make a formal or official announcement.
- To state something with great emphasis or certainty.
- To list goods for tax purposes at customs.
Overview
The verb 'declare' is used when someone wants to make a statement that is public, official, or definitive. Unlike simply 'saying' something, 'declaring' implies a level of authority or a formal process. It is a key word in legal, political, and administrative contexts. 2) Usage Patterns: 'Declare' is frequently followed by a direct object (e.g., 'declare war') or a 'that' clause (e.g., 'he declared that he was innocent'). It can also take an object and a complement, such as 'The judge declared the trial over.' 3) Common Contexts: You will most often encounter 'declare' in news reports regarding government actions, in legal proceedings, or when traveling through international borders. At an airport, 'declaring' refers to the act of informing customs officials about goods you are bringing into the country that may be subject to tax. 4) Similar Words Comparison: While 'announce' is a close synonym, 'declare' is typically more formal and carries more weight. 'Proclaim' is even more formal and often suggests a grand or historic announcement. 'State' is more neutral and is used to provide facts without the same level of public emphasis found in 'declare'.
Notes d'usage
The word 'declare' is generally formal. It is used in situations where the words spoken have a direct impact on reality, such as in law or official ceremonies. In casual conversation, it is often used for dramatic effect.
Erreurs courantes
A common mistake is using 'declare' for very minor, everyday statements where 'say' or 'tell' would be more appropriate. Another mistake is forgetting to use 'that' when introducing a clause, though it is sometimes omitted in informal speech.
Astuce mémo
Think of 'declare' as making something 'clear'. When you declare something, you make your position or your items 'clear' to everyone.
Origine du mot
From the Latin 'declarare', which means 'to make quite clear', coming from 'de-' (thoroughly) and 'clarare' (to make bright or clear).
Contexte culturel
In many English-speaking cultures, 'declaring' one's intentions is seen as a sign of honesty and transparency, especially in business and law.
Exemples
I have nothing to declare, officer.
everydayI have nothing to declare, officer.
The country declared independence in 1960.
formalThe country declared independence in 1960.
She loudly declared that she was quitting her job.
informalShe loudly declared that she was quitting her job.
The researchers declared their findings to be inconclusive.
academicThe researchers declared their findings to be inconclusive.
Famille de mots
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
nothing to declare
having no taxable goods at customs
declare dividends
a company's formal announcement of profit sharing
Souvent confondu avec
Announce is more general and can be used for any news, while declare is often more formal or legal.
State is a neutral way to give information; declare adds a sense of authority or public commitment.
Modèles grammaticaux
Use for official or firm statements
Use 'declare' when you want to sound certain or when the statement has a legal or official consequence.
Don't forget customs declarations
In travel contexts, failing to declare items can lead to heavy fines or legal trouble.
Historical Declarations
The word is central to history, such as the US Declaration of Independence, signifying a formal break from authority.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'declare'.
The government has ___ a state of emergency due to the storm.
The sentence requires the past participle form 'declared' to complete the present perfect tense 'has declared'.
Choose the most appropriate context for the word 'declare'.
In which situation would you most likely 'declare' something?
Declaring goods at customs is a standard formal procedure for international travelers.
Rearrange the words to form a correct sentence.
winner / the / judge / him / declared / the / .
The subject (The judge) is followed by the verb (declared), the object (him), and the complement (the winner).
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt means you are not carrying any goods that exceed the legal tax-free limit or items that are restricted by the country's laws.
Yes, it can be used for emphasis, such as 'declaring your love' for someone, which makes the statement sound more serious and permanent.
They are similar, but 'proclaim' is usually reserved for very grand, public, or historic events, while 'declare' is more common in legal and daily formal use.
The noun form is 'declaration,' which refers to the formal statement itself, like the Declaration of Independence.
Summary
To declare is to make a formal, definitive statement that carries official weight or public importance.
- To make a formal or official announcement.
- To state something with great emphasis or certainty.
- To list goods for tax purposes at customs.
Use for official or firm statements
Use 'declare' when you want to sound certain or when the statement has a legal or official consequence.
Don't forget customs declarations
In travel contexts, failing to declare items can lead to heavy fines or legal trouble.
Historical Declarations
The word is central to history, such as the US Declaration of Independence, signifying a formal break from authority.
Exemples
4 sur 4I have nothing to declare, officer.
I have nothing to declare, officer.
The country declared independence in 1960.
The country declared independence in 1960.
She loudly declared that she was quitting her job.
She loudly declared that she was quitting her job.
The researchers declared their findings to be inconclusive.
The researchers declared their findings to be inconclusive.
