What is declare? Pronunciation and usage in English

declare means . Learn how to pronounce and use declare through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of declare

declareverb

/dɪˈklɛː/
Definition & pronunciation of declare

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "declare" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic symbols and a more conversational explanation:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

  • ˈdɪˌklær (This is the most accurate representation)

Let's break that down:

  • ˈdɪ: This is the first syllable.
    • ˈd - The 'd' is pronounced clearly, as in "dog."
    • ɪ - This is a short, quick "ih" sound, like in "bit."
  • ˌklær: This is the second syllable.
    • ˌ - This is a secondary stress mark. It indicates that this syllable is emphasized more than the first.
    • kl - Pronounced as a single sound, like "cl" in "clock."
    • ær - This is a broad "ah" sound, similar to the 'a' in "father." It's a slightly open 'a' sound.

2. Pronunciation Guide (More Conversational)

Here's how you can say it step-by-step:

  1. "Di" – Say "dee" quickly. (Like “bit”)
  2. "Clare" – Say “clare” with a clear “cl” sound followed by a longer, open “ah” sound. Think of it like saying "clarify" but with the "fy" sound dropped.

Putting it together: Dee-clare. Notice the emphasis on the first syllable.

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Don't over-emphasize the second syllable: The secondary stress mark (ˌ) is key. It means you shouldn’t make the second syllable significantly louder or longer.
  • The "ar" sound: This is the trickiest part for some people. Make sure it's a broad, open "ah" sound – not a tight "a" sound like in "cat."
  • Listen to Examples: The best way to learn is to hear native speakers pronounce the word. Here are a few options:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce declare" on Google and click the audio icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/declare/ - This website offers pronunciations by native speakers from various regions.
    • YouTube: Search for "pronounce declare" on YouTube to find videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a few example sentences using the word "declare"?

Usage and examples with the word declare in English

The word "declare" is a wonderfully versatile word with several different meanings in English. Here's a breakdown of its common uses, broken down with examples:

1. To Announce Formally (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To state something publicly and officially, often with a sense of certainty or determination.
  • Example: “The president declared war on the enemy nation.” (He officially announced the start of a war.)
  • Example: “The company declared its commitment to sustainability.” (They announced their dedication to environmentally friendly practices.)
  • Synonyms: announce, proclaim, state, reveal, announce

2. To State Officially (Legal/Formal Contexts)

  • Meaning: In a legal setting, to formally announce or state facts, especially in a court of law.
  • Example: “The defendant declared he had not been at the scene of the crime.” (He stated his alibi during questioning.)
  • Example: “The judge declared the contract invalid.” (The judge formally ruled the contract null and void.)

3. To Announce a Variable (Programming)

  • Meaning: In computer programming, to tell the computer that a variable exists and what type of data it will hold.
  • Example: "In Java, you declare a variable like this: int age;" (You tell the computer that age is an integer variable.)
  • Synonyms: initialize, define (in programming)

4. To State One's Intentions (Less Common, Formal)

  • Meaning: To express one's intentions or desires clearly. (Often used in a more formal or slightly archaic way).
  • Example: “She declared her love for him.” (She openly and formally expressed her feelings.)
  • Example: “The team declared its intention to win the championship.” (They stated their goal.)

5. To Recognize or Admit (Often with a sense of regret or acceptance)

  • Meaning: To acknowledge the truth of something, often reluctantly.
  • Example: “He declared himself bankrupt.” (He admitted he couldn't pay his debts.)
  • Example: “After years of denial, she finally declared her illness to her family.” (She admitted she was sick.)

Key Considerations and Tips:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of "declare" depends heavily on the context in which it's used. Pay attention to the surrounding words and the situation.
  • Formality: “Declare” often sounds more formal than words like “say” or “tell.”
  • Strong Assertion: “Declare” often implies a strong, confident statement.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me tailor my explanation even more, could you tell me:

  • What is the context you’re interested in? (e.g., legal, business, programming, everyday conversation?)

Synonyms for the word declare

Practice with vocabulary declare

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The government is expected to ______ a state of emergency due to the worsening public health crisis.
  2. The CEO will officially ______ the company's new strategic partnership next Monday.
  3. When crossing the border, travelers are required to ______ any items exceeding the allowed duty-free limit.
  4. During the press conference, the spokesperson had to ______ the company's commitment to environmental sustainability.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Following the peace talks, the two nations decided to jointly ______ their commitment to a lasting resolution. A) confirm B) declare C) state D) affirm

  2. All citizens are legally obliged to ______ their annual income for tax purposes. A) report B) disclose C) declare D) reveal

  3. Despite mounting criticism, the scientist continued to ______ the validity of her controversial findings. A) assert B) confess C) declare D) whisper

  4. After hours of interrogation, the suspect finally ______ to the crime. A) admitted B) announced C) confessed D) testified

  5. The politician ______ that his opponent had engaged in corrupt practices, but provided no evidence. A) alleged B) stated C) reported D) proclaimed

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company made a public announcement about its new sustainability policy. (Rewrite using "declare" or a related word form.)

  2. The judge officially said that the trial was over because of a procedural error. (Rewrite using "declare" or a related word form.)

  3. The government made it known that the new law would come into effect immediately. (Rewrite, ensuring you do NOT use "declare" or any related word forms.)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. declare
  2. announce
  3. declare
  4. affirm

Exercise 2:

  1. B) declare, D) affirm
  2. A) report, B) disclose, C) declare
  3. A) assert, C) declare
  4. A) admitted, C) confessed
  5. A) alleged

Exercise 3:

  1. The company declared its new sustainability policy to the public.
  2. The judge officially declared a mistrial due to a procedural error.
  3. The government announced that the new law would come into effect immediately.

Comment ()