declare
To announce something clearly, firmly, and often officially. It is used to make a formal statement of fact, intention, or legal status.
To declare is to make a formal, definitive statement that carries official weight or public importance.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To make a formal or official announcement.
- To state something with great emphasis or certainty.
- To list goods for tax purposes at customs.
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.
Examples
4 of 4I have nothing to declare, officer.
The country declared independence in 1960.
She loudly declared that she was quitting her job.
The researchers declared their findings to be inconclusive.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'declare' as making something 'clear'. When you declare something, you make your position or your items 'clear' to everyone.
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'.
Usage Notes
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
Memory Tip
Think of 'declare' as making something 'clear'. When you declare something, you make your position or your items 'clear' to everyone.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'declarare', which means 'to make quite clear', coming from 'de-' (thoroughly) and 'clarare' (to make bright or clear).
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, 'declaring' one's intentions is seen as a sign of honesty and transparency, especially in business and law.
Examples
I have nothing to declare, officer.
everydayThe country declared independence in 1960.
formalShe loudly declared that she was quitting her job.
informalThe researchers declared their findings to be inconclusive.
academicWord Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
nothing to declare
declare dividends
Often Confused With
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.
Grammar Patterns
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.
Test Yourself
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
