verb B1 Intermediate Common

declare

dih-KLEH-uh

Declare (verb) means to state something formally, publicly, or emphatically. Example: “The judge declared the defendant not guilty.”

verb

To state something formally, publicly, or emphatically.

"The judge declared the defendant not guilty."

"She declared her intention to run for office."

To formally report goods, income, or belongings to customs or tax authorities.

"Do you have anything to declare at customs?"

How to use declare

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word forms

declared past tense, declare plural, declared plural, declares singular, declare singular, declared singular, declarest singular, declaredst singular, declareth singular

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Test yourself on “declare” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The judge _____ the defendant not guilty.

Etymology

From Latin declarare, "to make clear" — from de- (intensifier) + clarus, "clear."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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announce pronounce affirm profess assert asseverate attest aver avouch avow certify claim

Antonyms

deinitialize dissolve

Related words

found report evidence statement claim application argument maintain

Rhymes for declare

are dare care hare mare fare bare rare ware gare share snare

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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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found report evidence statement claim application argument maintain