declaration in 30 Seconds
- A declaration is a formal statement used to make facts or intentions known publicly and officially.
- It is commonly found in legal, political, and travel contexts, such as customs or tax forms.
- The word implies a high level of certainty and authority compared to a simple statement.
- In technical fields like programming, it refers to defining the properties of a variable.
The word declaration is a powerful noun that describes the act of making an official, formal, or explicit statement. It is not just a casual comment made over coffee; rather, it carries the weight of authority, intention, or legal necessity. When someone makes a declaration, they are often putting their thoughts or facts into the public record or making a definitive stand that others are expected to acknowledge. This term is deeply rooted in the idea of clarity—bringing something out of the shadows of doubt and into the light of certainty. In everyday life, you might encounter this word at an airport when you have to tell customs officers what you are bringing into the country, or in a history book when discussing the birth of a nation. It functions as a bridge between private thought and public knowledge.
- Formal Context
- A declaration is frequently used in legal and governmental settings to denote a proclamation that has binding consequences, such as a declaration of war or a declaration of human rights.
The government issued a formal declaration of a national emergency to unlock funding for disaster relief.
Beyond the halls of power, the word is used to describe strong personal assertions. If a person stands up in a meeting and says, 'I believe we are heading in the wrong direction,' that is a declaration of their opinion. It implies a level of boldness and conviction. The word comes from the Latin 'declarare,' which means 'to make quite clear.' Therefore, whenever you use this word, you are emphasizing that the information being shared is being made transparent and undeniable. It is the opposite of a hint or an insinuation.
- Personal Assertion
- In romantic or dramatic contexts, a 'declaration of love' is a classic trope where a character finally reveals their hidden feelings in a grand, unmistakable way.
The athlete's declaration of retirement took the sporting world by surprise during the post-match interview.
In technical fields, such as computer programming, a declaration is the act of specifying the properties of a variable or function. This allows the system to understand how to handle that specific piece of data. Even in this abstract sense, the core meaning remains the same: making something known and defined so that there is no confusion later on. Whether in law, love, or logic, a declaration sets the stage for what follows.
- Customs and Trade
- When traveling internationally, you must fill out a customs declaration form to list items that might be subject to taxes or restrictions.
Please ensure your customs declaration is accurate to avoid any delays at the border.
The judge required a signed declaration from the witness before the trial could proceed.
His sudden declaration of intent to run for mayor changed the entire political landscape of the city.
Using the word declaration correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that signifies a definitive action. It often follows verbs like 'make,' 'issue,' 'sign,' or 'read.' Because it is a formal word, it is most at home in professional, academic, or literary writing. You wouldn't typically say 'I made a declaration that I wanted pizza' unless you were being intentionally humorous or dramatic. Instead, you would use it for significant life events or official procedures.
- Collocation: Make a Declaration
- This is the most common pairing. It refers to the act of speaking or writing the formal statement. Example: 'The CEO made a declaration regarding the company's future sustainability goals.'
The United Nations issued a declaration condemning the violence in the region.
In legal English, a declaration is often a written statement that the person signing it affirms to be true. This is similar to an affidavit but might be used in different procedural contexts. When writing about history, the word is almost always capitalized when referring to specific documents, such as the Declaration of Independence. This highlights the word's status as a label for a foundational text that changes the course of events.
- Grammar Tip: Countable vs. Uncountable
- 'Declaration' is primarily a countable noun. You can have one declaration or several declarations. For example: 'The two countries signed separate declarations of cooperation.'
The scientist's declaration that the experiment was a success was met with thunderous applause.
Another nuance is the 'declaration of interest.' In professional settings, this is a statement where someone discloses any potential conflicts of interest. It is a standard part of ethics in research and governance. Using the word here emphasizes the transparency required by the process. It is not just 'telling' someone; it is a formal 'declaration' that protects the integrity of the work.
- Prepositional Usage
- We often use 'of' after declaration to specify the subject: a declaration of war, a declaration of intent, a declaration of independence.
The captain's declaration that the ship was sinking saved many lives by prompting an immediate evacuation.
After months of silence, the artist finally made a public declaration about the meaning behind her latest sculpture.
The tax declaration must be submitted by the end of the fiscal year to avoid penalties.
You are most likely to hear the word declaration in news broadcasts, legal dramas, and international travel hubs. In the news, reporters often speak of a 'declaration of a state of emergency' when a natural disaster like a hurricane or a pandemic occurs. This usage signals to the public that the situation is serious and that the government is taking extraordinary measures. It creates a sense of urgency and officiality that a word like 'announcement' might lack.
- News and Media
- Journalists use the term to describe high-stakes political moves, such as a candidate's declaration of their run for presidency.
The prime minister's declaration of new trade tariffs caused the stock market to fluctuate wildly.
In airports, the word is part of the standard vocabulary for every international traveler. You will hear announcements asking passengers to 'complete their customs declaration forms.' Here, the word is practical and bureaucratic. It refers to the legal obligation to be honest about the goods you are carrying. If you fail to make a proper declaration, you could face fines or even legal action. This reinforces the idea that a declaration is a statement with consequences.
- Travel and Customs
- 'Do you have anything to declare?' is the standard question asked by customs officers, referring to the verbal or written declaration of goods.
The captain made a bold declaration, setting the opposing team a target of 300 runs to win.
In historical contexts, students and tourists often hear about the 'Declaration of Independence' in the United States or the 'Declaration of the Rights of Man' in France. In these cases, the word is synonymous with revolution and the establishment of new principles. It represents a moment in time when a group of people decided to clearly state their identity and their rights to the rest of the world. Hearing the word in this context evokes a sense of pride and historical significance.
- Legal and Courtroom
- Lawyers might refer to a 'statutory declaration,' which is a legal document used to allow a person to declare something to be true for legal purposes.
The witness provided a written declaration that corroborated the defendant's alibi.
The environmental group's declaration of war on plastic pollution sparked a global movement.
The diplomat's declaration of neutrality was intended to keep the country out of the regional conflict.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using declaration when they actually mean a simple 'statement' or 'announcement.' While all declarations are statements, not all statements are declarations. A declaration implies a level of formality and permanence. For instance, saying 'I'm hungry' is a statement, but it is rarely a declaration. Using the word for trivial matters can make your English sound unnaturally stiff or even sarcastic.
- Mistake: Over-formality
- Incorrect: 'I made a declaration to my mom that I would clean my room.' Correct: 'I told my mom I would clean my room.' Use 'declaration' for things that are official or deeply serious.
A common error is confusing the noun declaration with the verb 'declare' in sentence structure.
Another common error is related to the preposition that follows the word. Learners sometimes use 'about' when 'of' is more appropriate. While you can make a declaration 'about' something, the standard formal construction is a 'declaration of [subject].' For example, 'a declaration of war' is standard, while 'a declaration about war' sounds like a general discussion rather than a formal act. Precision with prepositions is key to sounding like a proficient speaker.
- Mistake: Confusing with 'Proclamation'
- While similar, a proclamation is usually made by a monarch or head of state to the public. A declaration can be made by anyone in a formal capacity, including individuals on tax forms.
Don't confuse a customs declaration with a simple luggage tag; the former is a legal document.
Finally, there is often confusion between 'declaration' and 'definition.' In programming, this is a specific technical distinction. A declaration introduces a name, while a definition provides the actual implementation. In general English, a declaration is about making something known, whereas a definition is about explaining what something is. Mixing these up can lead to confusion in technical discussions or academic writing.
- Mistake: Spelling
- Learners sometimes spell it 'declaraction' by adding a 'c' before the 't'. The correct spelling is 'declaration', following the pattern of 'declare'.
The student's declaration of his sources was incomplete, leading to concerns about plagiarism.
A declaration is not an argument; it is a statement of fact or intent that does not necessarily invite debate.
The lawyer pointed out that the declaration was unsigned and therefore inadmissible in court.
Understanding the synonyms of declaration helps you choose the right word for the right level of intensity. While 'statement' is the most general alternative, others like 'proclamation,' 'announcement,' and 'assertion' carry different shades of meaning. Choosing the correct one can change the entire tone of your writing from informative to authoritative or even aggressive.
- Declaration vs. Proclamation
- A declaration is a statement of fact or intent. A proclamation is a formal public announcement, often made by a person of high authority (like a king or president) to the entire populace.
The King's proclamation was read in every town square, unlike the private declaration of the treaty.
'Announcement' is a much lighter word. You announce a party or a new product. You declare a state of emergency or your love. An announcement is about sharing news; a declaration is about establishing a truth or a commitment. 'Assertion' is another close relative, but it often implies that the statement might be disputed. When you assert something, you are stating it strongly because you expect someone to disagree. A declaration is often more definitive and less argumentative.
- Declaration vs. Assertion
- An assertion is a confident statement of belief. A declaration is an official statement of fact or intent. You assert your rights; you declare your income.
His assertion that he was innocent was different from the formal declaration he signed at the police station.
In some cases, 'manifesto' might be a suitable alternative, especially when the declaration involves a set of political or artistic principles. A manifesto is a public declaration of policy and aims. It is much more detailed than a simple declaration. By comparing these words, you can see that 'declaration' sits in the middle—it is formal and serious, but it can be as short as a single sentence or as long as a document.
- Declaration vs. Testimony
- Testimony is a formal statement given in a court of law. A declaration is a broader term that can include statements made outside of a courtroom.
The witness's testimony was more impactful than his previous written declaration.
The political party's manifesto served as a grand declaration of their vision for the country.
The official declaration of the results ended the long period of uncertainty after the election.
How Formal Is It?
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Fun Fact
The root 'clar' is the same as in the word 'clear'. So, a declaration is literally a 'making clear'.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing it as 'de-clare-a-tion' (adding an extra syllable).
- Putting the stress on the second syllable instead of the third.
- Confusing the 'tion' sound with 'sion'.
- Forgetting the 'l' sound in the first syllable.
- Misspelling it as 'declaraction'.
Difficulty Rating
Common in news and history books, but the concept is straightforward.
Requires knowledge of formal collocations like 'of' or 'that'.
Easy to pronounce but used mostly in formal situations.
Clear pronunciation, often heard in official announcements.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun clauses with 'that'
The declaration that the war was over brought great joy.
Prepositional phrases with 'of'
A declaration of independence is a historic document.
Gerunds as subjects
Making a false declaration is a serious offense.
Passive voice with 'issue'
A new declaration was issued by the council.
Attributive nouns
The declaration form must be completed in ink.
Examples by Level
I filled out the customs declaration at the airport.
J'ai rempli la déclaration de douane à l'aéroport.
Uses 'declaration' as a countable noun.
The teacher made a declaration about the holiday.
L'enseignant a fait une déclaration sur les vacances.
Follows the 'make a declaration' pattern.
Is this your declaration form?
Est-ce votre formulaire de déclaration ?
Used as a compound noun: declaration form.
He made a declaration of his name.
Il a fait une déclaration de son nom.
Simple 'of' prepositional phrase.
The sign was a declaration of the rules.
Le signe était une déclaration des règles.
Metaphorical use for a clear statement.
I have no declaration to make.
Je n'ai aucune déclaration à faire.
Negative structure with 'to make'.
The declaration was very short.
La déclaration était très courte.
Subject of the sentence.
Please read the declaration carefully.
Veuillez lire attentivement la déclaration.
Imperative sentence.
The mayor issued a declaration of peace.
Le maire a publié une déclaration de paix.
Uses the verb 'issue'.
We studied the Declaration of Independence in class.
Nous avons étudié la Déclaration d'indépendance en classe.
Proper noun usage.
Her declaration of love was very sweet.
Sa déclaration d'amour était très douce.
Common romantic collocation.
The company made a declaration of its profits.
L'entreprise a fait une déclaration de ses bénéfices.
Business context.
He signed the declaration yesterday.
Il a signé la déclaration hier.
Past tense verb 'signed'.
The captain's declaration ended the game.
La déclaration du capitaine a mis fin au jeu.
Sports context (cricket).
They made a public declaration of their plans.
Ils ont fait une déclaration publique de leurs projets.
Adjective 'public' modifying declaration.
This declaration is very important for the law.
Cette déclaration est très importante pour la loi.
Predicate adjective 'important'.
A formal declaration of war was made by the parliament.
Une déclaration de guerre formelle a été faite par le parlement.
Passive voice construction.
You must include all income in your tax declaration.
Vous devez inclure tous vos revenus dans votre déclaration d'impôts.
Preposition 'in' used with declaration.
The declaration was met with mixed reactions from the public.
La déclaration a été accueillie par des réactions mitigées de la part du public.
Subject of a passive verb.
The witness's declaration was crucial to the case.
La déclaration du témoin a été cruciale pour l'affaire.
Possessive noun 'witness's'.
The scientist issued a declaration regarding the new discovery.
Le scientifique a publié une déclaration concernant la nouvelle découverte.
Uses 'regarding' as a preposition.
The treaty included a declaration of human rights.
Le traité comprenait une déclaration des droits de l'homme.
Part of a larger document.
His declaration of intent to resign shocked everyone.
Sa déclaration d'intention de démissionner a choqué tout le monde.
Complex noun phrase: 'declaration of intent to resign'.
The pilot made a declaration of emergency before landing.
Le pilote a fait une déclaration d'urgence avant d'atterrir.
Aviation context.
The CEO's declaration of interest prevented a conflict during the vote.
La déclaration d'intérêt du PDG a évité un conflit lors du vote.
Specific professional term: 'declaration of interest'.
A statutory declaration is required to verify your identity.
Une déclaration solennelle est requise pour vérifier votre identité.
Legal term: 'statutory declaration'.
The artist's manifesto was a bold declaration of aesthetic principles.
Le manifeste de l'artiste était une déclaration audacieuse de principes esthétiques.
Abstract usage in arts.
The declaration of a dividend pleased the company's shareholders.
La déclaration d'un dividende a plu aux actionnaires de la société.
Finance context.
In this code, the variable declaration occurs at the top of the script.
Dans ce code, la déclaration de la variable se produit en haut du script.
Technical/Programming context.
The declaration of the poll results was delayed by several hours.
La déclaration des résultats du scrutin a été retardée de plusieurs heures.
Political/Electoral context.
The judge asked for a written declaration from the defendant.
Le juge a demandé une déclaration écrite au défendeur.
Requesting a document.
The declaration of independence marked the birth of the new republic.
La déclaration d'indépendance a marqué la naissance de la nouvelle république.
Historical significance.
The declaration of a state of emergency granted the executive branch extraordinary powers.
La déclaration de l'état d'urgence a accordé au pouvoir exécutif des pouvoirs extraordinaires.
Focus on legal consequences.
Her declaration was characterized by a profound sense of moral conviction.
Sa déclaration était caractérisée par un profond sentiment de conviction morale.
Descriptive passive voice.
The joint declaration by the two superpowers aimed to reduce nuclear tensions.
La déclaration conjointe des deux superpuissances visait à réduire les tensions nucléaires.
Diplomatic context.
The court ruled that the declaration was inadmissible due to procedural errors.
Le tribunal a jugé que la déclaration était irrecevable en raison d'erreurs de procédure.
Legal admissibility.
The declaration of bankruptcy allowed the firm to restructure its debts.
La déclaration de faillite a permis à l'entreprise de restructurer ses dettes.
Financial/Legal procedure.
The philosopher's declaration challenged the very foundations of Western metaphysics.
La déclaration du philosophe a remis en question les fondements mêmes de la métaphysique occidentale.
Intellectual/Academic context.
The declaration of the winner was met with a stunned silence from the audience.
La déclaration du vainqueur a été accueillie par un silence stupéfait de la part du public.
Dramatic effect.
A unilateral declaration of independence is often not recognized by the international community.
Une déclaration unilatérale d'indépendance n'est souvent pas reconnue par la communauté internationale.
Political science term: 'unilateral declaration'.
The declaration functioned as a performative speech act, effectively altering the legal status of the territory.
La déclaration a fonctionné comme un acte de langage performatif, modifiant effectivement le statut juridique du territoire.
Linguistic/Philosophical analysis.
The sheer audacity of the declaration underscored the shifting paradigms of the era.
L'audace même de la déclaration a souligné le changement de paradigmes de l'époque.
High-level historical analysis.
The declaration's ambiguity was a calculated move to maintain diplomatic flexibility.
L'ambiguïté de la déclaration était une démarche calculée pour maintenir une flexibilité diplomatique.
Strategic nuance.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains a cornerstone of international law.
La Déclaration universelle des droits de l'homme reste une pierre angulaire du droit international.
Foundational legal reference.
The declaration of the results was merely a formality after the landslide victory.
La déclaration des résultats n'était qu'une formalité après la victoire écrasante.
Using 'merely a formality'.
The poet's declaration of artistic autonomy was seen as a rejection of state-sponsored realism.
La déclaration d'autonomie artistique du poète a été vue comme un rejet du réalisme parrainé par l'État.
Literary/Political intersection.
The declaration of insolvency triggered a series of complex liquidation procedures.
La déclaration d'insolvabilité a déclenché une série de procédures de liquidation complexes.
Advanced corporate law.
His declaration was less an admission of guilt and more a strategic repositioning.
Sa déclaration était moins un aveu de culpabilité qu'un repositionnement stratégique.
Comparative 'less... and more...' structure.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— A formal statement of what someone plans to do.
The company filed a declaration of intent to merge.
— A formal or very clear expression of romantic feelings.
His sudden declaration of love left her speechless.
— A statement disclosing potential conflicts of interest.
All board members must provide a declaration of interest.
— A document listing the fundamental rights of a group.
The declaration of rights was added to the constitution.
— A statement made by oneself about one's own status.
The system relies on the self-declaration of the users.
— A statement made by two or more parties together.
The two leaders issued a joint declaration on trade.
— A declaration made by only one side in a situation.
The unilateral declaration of independence was controversial.
— A declaration that is recorded on paper or digitally.
Please submit a written declaration of your expenses.
— A declaration made by speaking aloud.
A verbal declaration is sometimes enough for minor issues.
— An untruthful formal statement, often illegal.
Making a false declaration on a tax form is a crime.
Often Confused With
A statement is general; a declaration is formal and official.
A proclamation is usually public and from a high authority.
An assertion is a strong claim that might be argued against.
Idioms & Expressions
— Can be used metaphorically to mean starting a major conflict or competition.
The new price cuts were seen as a declaration of war against competitors.
informal/metaphorical— To state something very confidently and publicly.
He made a bold declaration that he would win the race.
neutral— Specifically in cricket, waiting for the captain to end the innings.
The fans were waiting for the declaration to see the final chase.
sports— Often follows a declaration, meaning to formally agree to something.
Once the declaration was ready, he signed on the dotted line.
informal— To make a formal declaration that will be kept as a permanent note.
I want to go on the record with a declaration of my opposition.
journalistic— To make a firm declaration of rules that must be followed.
The manager laid down the law with a declaration of new office hours.
informal— To make a personal declaration of your opinion.
He stood up to speak his piece, making a declaration of his concerns.
informal— A request to turn a verbal statement into a formal declaration.
That's a big promise; can you put it in writing as a declaration?
neutral— To remain committed to a declaration you have made.
He made a declaration of loyalty and he stood by his word.
neutral— A statement made without any attempt at secrecy.
It was an open declaration of their future plans.
neutralEasily Confused
Both define something.
A declaration makes a fact known; a definition explains what a word or concept means.
The declaration of the results was clear, but the definition of the rules was confusing.
Both share news.
An announcement is for any news; a declaration is for official or legal status changes.
The announcement of the party was fun, but the declaration of the winner was serious.
Both are legal statements.
An affidavit is a specific type of declaration made under oath for court.
He signed the declaration, which was later used as an affidavit in court.
Both are public statements.
A manifesto is a long document of goals; a declaration can be a single short statement.
The party's manifesto included a declaration of their economic plans.
Both are official.
A decree is an order that must be followed; a declaration is a statement of fact or intent.
The king's decree forced everyone to follow the new declaration.
Sentence Patterns
I have a [noun] declaration.
I have a customs declaration.
He made a declaration of [noun].
He made a declaration of love.
The [noun] issued a declaration about [noun].
The government issued a declaration about the emergency.
It is a [adjective] declaration that [clause].
It is a formal declaration that the project is finished.
The declaration of [noun] was met with [noun].
The declaration of bankruptcy was met with shock.
The declaration served as a [noun] for [noun].
The declaration served as a catalyst for social change.
Please sign the [noun] declaration.
Please sign the tax declaration.
A [adjective] declaration is required.
A statutory declaration is required.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in specific domains (Law, Travel, Politics).
-
I made a declaration about I was tired.
→
I made a statement that I was tired.
Declaration is too formal for being tired, and the grammar 'about I was' is incorrect.
-
He signed the declaraction.
→
He signed the declaration.
The spelling 'declaraction' is a common error; there is no 'c' before the 't'.
-
A declaration for independence.
→
A declaration of independence.
The standard preposition used with declaration is 'of'.
-
The declaration of the winner was a surprise.
→
The announcement of the winner was a surprise.
While 'declaration' is possible, 'announcement' is more natural for contest results.
-
I declare my luggage at the airport.
→
I made a declaration for my luggage at the airport.
Using the noun 'declaration' often requires the verb 'make'.
Tips
Use 'of' for subjects
Always follow 'declaration' with 'of' when specifying the topic, such as 'declaration of intent' or 'declaration of war'.
It's Countable
Remember that you can have 'a declaration' or 'many declarations'. Use it as you would use 'statement'.
Upgrade your 'say'
Instead of saying 'He said he was leaving', try 'He made a formal declaration of his departure' to sound more professional.
No 'c' before 't'
Be careful not to spell it 'declaraction'. It comes from 'declare', so it is 'declaration'.
Airport Essentials
When traveling, always look for the 'Customs Declaration' sign to know where to go if you have items to report.
Signatures Matter
In a legal context, a declaration is often not valid until it is signed and witnessed.
Declare Interests
In meetings, if you have a conflict of interest, making a 'declaration of interest' early builds trust.
Capitalization
Capitalize 'Declaration' when it is part of the name of a specific historical document like the 'Declaration of Independence'.
Stress the 'RA'
The loudest part of the word is the 'RA' syllable: dek-la-RA-tion.
Avoid Triviality
Don't use 'declaration' for small things like 'I declare I want tea' unless you are joking; it's too heavy for daily chores.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
DEC-LAR-ATION: Think of 'DE-CLAR-ing' something to make it 'CLEAR'. The 'clar' in the middle is your clue.
Visual Association
Imagine a person standing on a stage with a large, glowing scroll that lights up the room as they read it.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to write three sentences using 'declaration': one about an airport, one about a historical event, and one about a personal feeling.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'declaratio', which comes from the verb 'declarare'.
Original meaning: To make quite clear, to explain, or to reveal.
Romance (Latin origin), entered Middle English via Old French.Cultural Context
Be careful when using 'declaration of war' metaphorically, as it can sound very aggressive.
In the US, 'The Declaration' almost always refers to the 1776 document.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Airport/Travel
- customs declaration
- nothing to declare
- declare goods
- declaration form
Law/Legal
- statutory declaration
- signed declaration
- sworn declaration
- declaration of truth
Politics/History
- declaration of independence
- declaration of war
- joint declaration
- issue a declaration
Finance/Taxes
- tax declaration
- declaration of income
- declaration of assets
- false declaration
Relationships
- declaration of love
- public declaration
- bold declaration
- romantic declaration
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever had to make a customs declaration at an airport?"
"What do you think is the most important declaration in history?"
"Is a declaration of love better in private or in public?"
"Why do governments issue a declaration of a state of emergency?"
"Have you ever made a bold declaration that you later regretted?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you made a formal declaration of your intentions.
Imagine you are starting a new country. Write your own declaration of independence.
Describe the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in today's world.
Reflect on a 'declaration of love' you have seen in a movie or book. Was it effective?
Write a mock customs declaration for a fictional world you are visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsA customs declaration is a form that travelers fill out to list items they are bringing into a country. It is a legal requirement to ensure that taxes are paid and restricted items are monitored. For example, you might declare expensive electronics or large amounts of cash.
You can use it with verbs like 'make' or 'issue'. For example: 'The president issued a declaration of national mourning.' It is usually followed by 'of' and a noun to show what is being declared.
Yes, 'declaration' is quite formal. In casual conversation, people usually say 'statement' or 'announcement'. You use 'declaration' when the situation is official, legal, or very serious.
'Declare' is a verb (the action), and 'declaration' is a noun (the thing itself). For example: 'I declare (verb) that this is my final declaration (noun).'
It is a formal statement where a person reveals any personal or financial connections they have that might influence their work or decisions. This is common in business and research to ensure honesty.
Yes, it is a countable noun. You can say 'The two countries signed several declarations of cooperation over the years.'
It is a legal document used in some countries where a person solemnly declares something to be true. It is similar to an oath and has legal consequences if the person lies.
It is famous because it was the formal statement by the thirteen American colonies that they were no longer part of the British Empire. It established the principles of freedom and democracy for the United States.
In coding, a declaration is when you tell the computer the name and type of a variable you are going to use. For example, 'int x;' is a declaration that 'x' will be an integer.
While the word 'declaration' is formal, a 'declaration of love' can be personal. It simply means making your feelings very clear and unmistakable to the other person.
Test Yourself 30 questions
Write a sentence about a customs declaration at an airport.
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Use the phrase 'declaration of intent' in a professional sentence.
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Explain what a 'declaration of interest' is in your own words.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Listen to the sentence: 'The declaration was signed by all parties.' Who signed the document?
Write a short paragraph about a historical declaration.
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/ 30 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
A declaration is more than just words; it is a formal act of making something official and clear. For example, a 'declaration of independence' creates a new nation, showing the word's power to change reality.
- A declaration is a formal statement used to make facts or intentions known publicly and officially.
- It is commonly found in legal, political, and travel contexts, such as customs or tax forms.
- The word implies a high level of certainty and authority compared to a simple statement.
- In technical fields like programming, it refers to defining the properties of a variable.
Use 'of' for subjects
Always follow 'declaration' with 'of' when specifying the topic, such as 'declaration of intent' or 'declaration of war'.
It's Countable
Remember that you can have 'a declaration' or 'many declarations'. Use it as you would use 'statement'.
Upgrade your 'say'
Instead of saying 'He said he was leaving', try 'He made a formal declaration of his departure' to sound more professional.
No 'c' before 't'
Be careful not to spell it 'declaraction'. It comes from 'declare', so it is 'declaration'.
