declarative
UK: /dɪˈklærətɪv/ | US: /dɪˈklærətɪv/
adj. stating or explaining something clearly and formally
adj. (computing) denoting a style of programming that expresses logic without describing control flow
The word "declarative" stems from the Latin declarare ("to make clear"), combining de- (thoroughly) + clarare (to clarify, from clarus, meaning "clear"). The suffix -ative was adopted via Old French -atif, forming adjectives indicating a tendency or function. Over time, "declarative" evolved to describe statements or systems that explicitly define outcomes (e.g., in law or programming) without detailing procedural steps.
The document ended with a declarative statement of independence.
In linguistics, declarative sentences make assertions rather than asking questions.
SQL is a declarative language because it specifies what data to retrieve, not how.
Her tone was calm but declarative, leaving no room for debate.
The judge’s ruling was brief and declarative, resolving the case conclusively.