Declaring: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'declarare', which means 'to make clear' or 'to bring forth'.
• It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, evolving from a legal term to general use.
• Its roots can be traced back to 'clara', meaning 'clear' in Latin, emphasizing clarity when announcing.

Legal Context

• In legal terms, declaring is often used in documents to announce laws, rights, or intentions formally.
• Countries often issue declarations for independence or human rights, which mark significant historical events.
• In finance, a company may declare dividends, revealing a commitment to shareholders about profit distribution.

Cultural Significance

• Declarations have played a crucial role in revolutions around the world, such as the Declaration of Independence in the USA.
• Art often employs declarations to convey messages, as seen in protest art where artists declare their views.
• Anniversaries of important declarations are often celebrated, reflecting societal values and collective memories.

Psychology

• Making declarations can boost confidence and commitment, as verbalizing intentions often leads to follow-through.
• Public declarations are often linked to the 'commitment-consistency principle', impacting social behavior;
• When individuals declare their goals, they are more likely to attain them due to the social pressure and accountability involved.

Literature

• Literature often features characters making declarations as pivotal moments, marking turning points in stories.
• John Locke’s 'Second Treatise of Government' includes declarations about rights that heavily influenced political thought.
• Many poems focus on declarations of love or personal experiences, using the act of declaring as a central theme.

At #5,931 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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