WordGarden.ioproclaim
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /prəklˈeɪm/
US
- /proʊˈkleɪm/
Meanings
Verb
to announce or declare something publicly and emphatically
to officially declare something as an act of government or authority
to publicly preach or announce a religious message or belief
Beyond the definition
Imagine a king returning from battle—he doesn't whisper his victory, does he? He proclaims it! To proclaim something is to announce it officially and publicly, often with a sense of great importance. It is more than just saying something; it is making a formal declaration. You might proclaim your love for someone, or a ruler might proclaim a new order. Think of town criers shouting news in the olden days—they were proclaiming!
The word carries a sense of authority and intention. A politician proclaims their policies, hoping to convince the public. A poet might proclaim a truth through verse. Ultimately, it is about making something known to the world with strong conviction.
To proclaim means to announce something formally, publicly, and often emphatically. It's more than simply stating a fact; it implies a deliberate act of declaration, usually by someone in authority or someone with a strong belief in what they are sharing. Common examples include: "The king proclaimed his son the heir to the throne," or "She proclaimed her innocence despite the evidence."
"Proclaim" can also be used figuratively to indicate that something is expressed strongly and openly. You might say, "He proclaims himself a champion of the poor," meaning he loudly and confidently asserts that role for himself. Similarly, one might observe that "The painting proclaims a message of hope," where the visual elements themselves seem to broadcast a specific meaning to the viewer.
Historically, proclaiming was the duty of an official town crier who would travel through the streets announcing important news, laws, or royal decrees. This tradition contributes to the word's modern sense of public authority. Even the Declaration of Independence wasn't just written—it was proclaimed to the world!
The verb is most often used in contexts involving announcements, beliefs, or truths that are considered significant. It suggests a confident and assertive expression. Whether it's a royal decree, a passionate belief, or a powerful message, to proclaim is to make something known with conviction—ensuring the world hears your declaration!
Examples
- 1
Official declaration
The mayor proclaimed Monday a day of mourning.
- 2
Election
After the first results came in, the candidate proclaimed victory.
- 3
Independence
The country proclaimed independence after years of foreign rule.
- 4
Public statement
She stood at the microphone and proclaimed that the plan would still go ahead.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Critical judgment
The critics proclaimed the young pianist a genius.
- Patternproclaim someone/something + noun/adjective
say strongly or publicly that they are that thing
- 6
Self-appointment
He proclaimed himself leader of the group, but no one accepted it.
- Patternproclaim yourself + title/position
publicly give yourself that title or position
- 7
Signage
The sign outside the cafe proclaimed it open again after the fire.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- proclaim victory
- proclaim independence
- proclaim a state of emergency
- proclaim someone king
Word family
Explore
- public announcement
- official statement
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- proclaimverb
Forms
- proclaimedpast tenseverb
- proclaiming-ing formverb
- proclaimsverb