Declare
/dɪˈkleər/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo announce something officially or publicly.
/dɪˈkleər/
To announce something clearly and formally.
The government declared a state of emergency due to the flooding.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're in a game and you loudly announce to everyone that you've won! 'Declare' is like making an official announcement, like saying out loud, 'I have a cookie!'
👶 For kids: To say something out loud and tell everyone.
More Examples
She declared her love for him in a public speech.
The company declared record profits this quarter.
The referee declared the goal valid after reviewing the replay.
How It's Used
"The witness declared under oath that he had seen the defendant at the scene."
"The president declared a national emergency."
To state something emphatically or firmly.
/dɪˈkleər/
To state firmly and emphatically.
He declared his innocence to the court.
💡 Simply: It's like standing up and saying, 'I'm doing this, no matter what!' or 'I feel this way!' like you are certain!
👶 For kids: To say something with your whole heart and mean it.
More Examples
She declared her love for him.
The author declared his plans for a sequel.
The athlete declared his intention to win the championship.
How It's Used
"She declared her independence from her parents."
"He declared his intention to quit his job."
To make something clear or evident through actions, words, or evidence.
/dɪˈkleər/
To make known, to make clear or evident.
The evidence declared his innocence.
💡 Simply: Imagine a detective finds clues that say who did it! That's 'declaring' the truth through what they found, it makes it clear to everyone.
👶 For kids: To make something easy to see or know.
More Examples
His silence declared his guilt.
The circumstances declared the urgent need for change.
The high sales declared the success of the new product.
How It's Used
"The evidence declared his guilt."
Idioms & expressions
declare war
To formally announce the beginning of a war.
"The nation declared war after the surprise attack."
declare bankruptcy
To legally announce that you are unable to pay your debts.
"The company had to declare bankruptcy after years of financial struggles."
From Middle English declaren, from Old French declarer, from Latin declarare ('to make clear, explain'), from de- ('thoroughly') + clarare ('to make clear'), from clarus ('clear').
Historically, the word 'declare' has been used in legal, political, and religious contexts to announce significant events or beliefs.
Memory tip
Think of a court 'declaring' a verdict.
Word Origin
"clear, bright"