declare
UK: dɪˈkleə(r) | US: dɪˈkler
vt. to make known formally or officially
vt. to state emphatically or publicly
vt. (law) to formally announce the start of legal proceedings
vi. to make a declaration (e.g., in customs)
Derived from Latin declarare ("to make clear"), the word evolved through Old French declarer before entering Middle English. The core logic persists: combining de- (thoroughness) with clarus (clarity) to convey authoritative, unambiguous statements. Historically used in legal and religious contexts, it retains its formal tone.
The president will declare a national holiday next week.
She declared her innocence before the court.
Travelers must declare goods exceeding the duty-free limit.
"I won’t participate," he declared firmly.
The company declared bankruptcy after years of losses.