declare
dih-KLEH-uh
Declare (verb) means to state something formally, publicly, or emphatically. Example: “The referee declared the match over after the final whistle.”
verb
1
To state something formally, publicly, or emphatically.
"The referee declared the match over after the final whistle."
"The judge declared the defendant not guilty."
"She declared her intention to run for office."
2
To formally report goods, income, or belongings to customs or tax authorities.
"Travellers must declare any large amounts of cash at the airport."
"You need to declare your freelance earnings on your tax return."
"Do you have anything to declare at customs?"
How to use declare
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo announce something formally or officially, or to report something to the authorities.
Common pairings
declare war
declare independence
declare goods at customs
declare one's love
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- declares
- Past tense
- declared
- Archaic forms
- declarest, declaredst, declareth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The referee _____ the match over after the final whistle.
Etymology
From Latin declarare, "to make clear" — from de- (intensifier) + clarus, "clear."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for declare
See all rhymes for declare →Frequently asked questions
What does “declare” mean?
The word “declare” means to state something formally, publicly, or emphatically. In plain terms, to announce something formally or officially, or to report something to the authorities.
How do you pronounce “declare”?
“Declare” is pronounced dih-KLEH-uh (/dɪˈklɛɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “declare” in a sentence?
Here is “declare” used in a sentence: “The judge declared the defendant not guilty.”
What is another word for “declare”?
Words with a similar meaning to “declare” include assert, asseverate, attest, aver, avouch and avow.
What is the opposite of “declare”?
The opposite of “declare” — its antonyms — are deinitialize and dissolve.
What part of speech is “declare”?
“Declare” is a verb.
Where does the word “declare” come from?
The word “declare” comes from Latin. From Latin declarare, "to make clear" — from de- (intensifier) + clarus, "clear.".
Is “declare” a common word?
“Declare” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between declare and announce?
To announce something is simply to make it known publicly, especially news. To declare something is to state it formally or emphatically, and the word often carries official or legal force, as in declaring a winner, declaring a state of emergency, or declaring war.
What is the difference between declare and state?
Both verbs mean to say something, but declare is stronger and more formal, suggesting a public, emphatic, or official statement. State is more neutral and simply means to express something clearly, as in stating your name or stating the facts.
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