claim
UK: kleɪm | US: kleɪm
n. a demand or assertion of a right (e.g., "a claim to the throne")
vt. to state something as true without proof (e.g., "He claims to be innocent.")
n. a request for compensation (e.g., "an insurance claim")
claim = cla<call> + im<variant of -ium, noun suffix>
- cla<call>: From Latin clamare (to shout, call out), reflecting the idea of asserting or demanding.
- im<variant of -ium>: A nominal suffix in Latin-derived words, often indicating a result or action.
Etymology Origin:
The word claim traces back to Latin clamare (to shout), evolving through Old French clamer (to call out, declare). The core idea of "voicing a demand" persisted, branching into legal, financial, and rhetorical contexts. The modern sense retains the original force of asserting ownership or truth, mirroring the vocal urgency of its Latin root.
She filed a claim for damages after the accident.
The scientist claims to have discovered a new species.
His claim to fame was his groundbreaking invention.
The tribe’s land claim was upheld in court.
Don’t just accept his claim—ask for evidence.