The Word “Declare”: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
declare – Definition and Part of Speech
Declare is a verb that means to announce something formally, make an official statement, or assert something emphatically. It often implies a degree of authority or formality in the context it’s used.
Grammatical Forms
- Verb: to declare (e.g., He declares his intention)
- Noun: declaration (e.g., His declaration surprised everyone)
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Announce | Publicly or officially make something known | “The president announced his resignation yesterday.” | Formal/Informal |
| Proclaim | Declare emphatically, often with authority | “She proclaimed her love for the city at the rally.” | Formal |
| Assert | State confidently and forcefully | “He asserted his innocence despite the evidence against him.” | Academic/Business |
| State | Express clearly in speech or writing | “The teacher stated that the homework was due tomorrow.” | Neutral/Informal |
| Avow | Acknowledge openly, often with a sense of duty | “He avowed his commitment to honesty in all dealings.” | Formal/Academic |
Usage Notes
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Announce is versatile and can be used both formally and informally. It’s appropriate for casual contexts like announcing dinner or formal settings such as a company press release.
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Proclaim carries a sense of authority or public declaration, making it suitable for speeches, rallies, or any setting where someone is emphasizing their point strongly.
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Assert implies confidence and is often used in situations requiring emphasis on the speaker’s belief or stance, such as debates or discussions.
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State is a neutral term that works across various registers, from everyday conversation to academic writing. It suggests clarity without additional emotional weight.
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Avow is more formal and is typically used when someone makes a sincere or solemn acknowledgment of something, often involving personal conviction or responsibility.
Common Pitfalls
One common confusion arises between “declare” and “state.” While both can be used interchangeably in many contexts, “declare” usually implies a more formal or emphatic announcement. In contrast, “state” is more neutral and straightforward.
Another potential pitfall is using “proclaim” where a less forceful term like “announce” might be appropriate. Since “proclaim” conveys a sense of authority or public declaration, it’s best reserved for contexts where this nuance is intended.
Final Recap
In summary, synonyms for declare such as announce, proclaim, assert, state, and avow each carry distinct nuances that can enhance the precision of your language. Whether you’re crafting a business document, delivering an academic paper, or engaging in casual conversation, selecting the right synonym can significantly impact your message’s clarity and tone.
To effectively incorporate these synonyms into your vocabulary, practice writing sentences with each one and use them in conversations to become familiar with their nuances. This will help ensure that you choose the most appropriate word for any given context.