WordGarden.iodeclaration
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /dˌɛklərˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌdɛklərˈeɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
a clear or formal statement that makes something known
an official public proclamation by a government or authority
a formal statement or document submitted to an authority, such as for tax or customs
More meaningsFewer meanings
a line or statement in code that introduces or specifies an identifier, variable, function, or type
an announcement or formal move made within the rules of a game
Beyond the definition
A declaration isn't just saying something; it's making a formal, often public, announcement. Think of the Declaration of Independence—that wasn't a casual chat! It was a powerful statement declaring freedom from British rule. But declarations aren't always about grand political events. You might make a "declaration of love" to someone special, or a customs official might require a "declaration" listing what you're bringing into the country. A declaration carries weight; it's a firm and serious expression of belief, intent, or fact. It's more than just speaking—it's declaring!
A declaration is a formal or emphatic statement or announcement. It signifies a clear expression of something—a belief, an intention, a state of affairs, or even a legal position. The most famous example is likely the Declaration of Independence, which boldly proclaimed the thirteen American colonies' separation from Great Britain. This illustrates how declarations often involve asserting rights, freedoms, or principles.
However, declarations aren't limited to historical documents; they appear in many everyday contexts. A customs declaration is a list you provide when traveling internationally, detailing the goods you are bringing into a country. In law, a declaration can be a sworn statement of facts that can be used as evidence. You might also hear about a "declaration of war," signaling the beginning of armed conflict.
On a more personal level, a declaration can simply be a strong expression of feeling or opinion. A "declaration of love" is a heartfelt announcement of romantic affection, while a person might make a "personal declaration" to change their habits or pursue a new goal.
In computing, a declaration can also mean stating what something is (like a variable or a function) before it is used.
The key element of a declaration is its formality and the weight it carries. It's not just what is said, but how it's presented—with conviction, authority, and often, public visibility. So whether it's shaping nations or expressing personal truths, a declaration is a powerful act of stating something definitively.
Examples
- 1
Emergency status
The government issued a declaration of emergency after the storm.
- 2
Workplace form
All employees must sign a declaration saying they have read the safety rules.
- 3
Customs form
Before you leave the airport, you need to fill out a customs declaration.
- Domaincustoms declaration
an official form about goods you are carrying
- 4
Treaty wording
The treaty included a declaration that both sides would respect the border.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Public statement
His final speech became a public declaration of love for his country.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- make a declaration
- public declaration
- formal declaration
- declaration of intent
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- declarationnoun
Forms
- declarationspluralnoun