claim
Claim (verb) means to state that something is true, often without having proved it yet. Example: “He claims he was home all evening.”
How to Use Claim
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither saying something is true, or formally asking for something you're owed.
Word Forms
claimed past tense, claims plural, claim plural, claimed plural, claims singular, claim singular, claimed singular, claimest singular, claimedst singular, claimeth singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ he was home all evening.
Etymology
From Old French clamer ("to call out, name"), from Latin clāmāre ("to shout").
Related Words
Rhymes for claim
See all rhymes for claim →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “claim” mean?
The word “claim” means to state that something is true, often without having proved it yet. In plain terms, either saying something is true, or formally asking for something you're owed.
How do you pronounce “claim”?
“Claim” is pronounced klaym (/kleɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “claim” in a sentence?
Here is “claim” used in a sentence: “He claims he was home all evening.”
What part of speech is “claim”?
Depending on how it is used, “claim” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “claim” come from?
The word “claim” comes from Latin. From Old French clamer ("to call out, name"), from Latin clāmāre ("to shout").
Is “claim” a common word?
“Claim” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “claim” have?
“Claim” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to state that something is true, often without having proved it yet.
What is the difference between claiming and proving something?
To claim something is to state that it is true; to prove it is to provide evidence that settles the matter. A claim is only a starting assertion and can be wrong, whereas proof establishes the fact beyond reasonable doubt. You can claim anything, but proving it demands support.
Does claiming something make it true?
No. A claim is simply a statement that something is the case, often made before any evidence is offered. It may turn out to be true, false, or unverifiable. This is why careful writers distinguish between what someone merely claims and what has actually been demonstrated or confirmed.
What is an example of a claim?
Saying 'This product is the best on the market' is a claim: it asserts something as true without yet proving it. Everyday examples include a person claiming they finished the work, or an advertiser claiming a cream reduces wrinkles — statements that invite the question, 'Where is the evidence?'