Announce: Definition and Part of Speech
The term announce primarily functions as a verb. It means to make something known publicly or officially. This act often involves informing others about an event, decision, news, or information that requires attention. In its noun form, “announcement” refers to the statement made when announcing.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table of core synonyms for “announce,” including their nuances and example sentences:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Declare | Emphasizes formality or officialness. | The president declared a national emergency last night. | Formal, Official |
| Proclaim | Often used in contexts of public declarations. | She proclaimed her love for the city during her speech. | Public/Solemn |
| Broadcast | Commonly associated with media dissemination. | The news was broadcast across all channels at once. | Media/Informal |
| Notify | Focuses on informing or alerting about specific information. | Employees will be notified of the new policy tomorrow. | Formal/Business |
| Publicize | Implies making information widely known, often for promotional purposes. | They plan to publicize their event through social media. | Informal/Commercial |
Usage Notes
Each synonym can be used in different contexts, and understanding these nuances helps in choosing the right word:
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Declare: Best suited for formal or official settings where an authoritative voice is implied. This might include legal declarations, presidential speeches, or solemn ceremonies.
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Proclaim: Often found in public speaking, religious services, or contexts that require a dramatic announcement. It carries an air of celebration or gravitas.
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Broadcast: Commonly used when referring to information dissemination through television, radio, or online platforms. This is particularly relevant for journalists and media professionals.
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Notify: Typically employed in professional environments where timely communication about specific details is crucial. It’s direct and focuses on informing relevant parties without fanfare.
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Publicize: Frequently utilized in marketing or advertising contexts to draw attention and awareness to a product, service, or event. It carries a promotional tone rather than an informational one.
Common Pitfalls
A common confusion arises between “announce” and “notify.” While both involve communication of information:
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Announce typically suggests a broader audience and can be more formal or public.
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Notify is often more personal, directed at specific individuals or groups, focusing on imparting particular details.
Another potential mix-up is with “proclaim,” which should not be used interchangeably with “declare” in everyday contexts unless the situation calls for a ceremonial or public declaration.
Final Recap
In summary:
- Declare carries formality and officialness.
- Proclaim is often linked to public, sometimes ceremonial announcements.
- Broadcast aligns with media dissemination.
- Notify emphasizes specific information delivery in professional settings.
- Publicize relates to widespread promotional communication.
Learners should practice using these synonyms by writing sentences that fit various contexts or incorporating them into conversations. Understanding their nuances can enhance clarity and precision in both written and spoken English.