Reading Theme:
Declare: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：announce formally (declare)
declare
/dɪˈkleər/
v.
To say something officially in public, often about a decision, result, or important fact.
announce formally
➕
/əˈnaʊns ˈfɔːrməli/
v.
To make a formal or public statement, often about an official decision, judgment, or a significant fact.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'de-' (thoroughly) + 'clarare' (to make clear), meaning 'to make thoroughly clear'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think: A leader must DECLARE their plans CLEARly to everyone (de- + clare).
📖 Example
The referee declared the goal valid after checking the video replay.
After reviewing the video footage, the referee formally announced that the goal was valid.
🔗 Collocations
declare independence – To formally announce that a state or region is free from the control of another country.
declare a state of emergency – To officially announce that a dangerous situation exists, granting special powers to authorities.
declare the winner – To officially announce the victor in a contest or election.
🔄 Synonyms
announce (v.) – To make a public and typically formal statement about a fact, occurrence, or intention.
proclaim (v.) – To announce something publicly and officially, often with emphasis or celebration.
pronounce (v.) – To declare or announce something, often in a formal or authoritative manner (e.g., a verdict).
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
declaration (n.) – A formal or explicit statement or announcement.
declared (adj.) – Having been stated or announced openly and formally.
declarative (adj.) – Of the nature of a statement or declaration.
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'declare' originates from the Latin verb 'declarare' (to make clear, announce). It entered English via Old French in the 14th century. A prominent historical usage is the U.S. 'Declaration of Independence' (1776), cementing its association with formal, public, and official proclamations of great importance.
Meaning 2：state officially (declare)
declare
/dɪˈkleər/
v.
To officially tell someone in authority about something you have, usually because you must do so by law.
state officially
➕
/steɪt əˈfɪʃəli/
v.
To make a formal statement, typically to a person in authority, about something you possess, earn, or are carrying, often because it is required by law.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Remember to declare any fresh fruits or vegetables on your customs form when you arrive in a new country.
Do not forget to officially state on your customs declaration form if you are carrying any fresh produce upon entering a foreign country.
🔗 Collocations
declare goods at customs – To officially state the items you are bringing into a country to customs officials.
declare income – To officially state your earnings, typically on a tax return form.
declare an interest – To formally state a personal stake or involvement in a matter, often to avoid conflict of interest.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
declaration (n.) – A formal statement, especially one listing details for official purposes (e.g., tax declaration).
Wordbook
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