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Proclaim: meaning, definitions and examples

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proclaim

 

[prəˈkleɪm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

publicly announce

To proclaim means to announce something publicly or officially. It is often used to declare or make known something important or significant.

Synonyms

announce, assert, declare, promulgate, pronounce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
proclaim

Typically used in formal or official contexts to make a significant announcement publically and with authority.

  • The king proclaimed the new law to be effective immediately.
  • The president proclaimed a national holiday.
announce

Used in everyday and formal contexts to bring news or information to public attention.

  • The company announced a change in policy.
  • She announced her engagement to her friends.
declare

Often used in formal or legal contexts to officially state something with certainty.

  • The government declared a state of emergency.
  • The scientist declared the results of the experiment.
pronounce

Used mainly to make a formal or authoritative statement, especially related to judgments or declarations.

  • The judge pronounced the sentence.
  • The doctor pronounced the patient cured.
assert

Employed to confidently state a fact or belief, often to emphasize a point or defend a position.

  • He asserted his innocence during the trial.
  • She asserted her right to speak out.
promulgate

Used in formal and legal settings to promote or make widely known an official decree or law.

  • The new health regulations were promulgated by the health department.
  • The legislative changes were promulgated in the official gazette.

Examples of usage

  • He proclaimed his love for her in front of everyone.
  • The president proclaimed a national day of mourning.
  • The new law was proclaimed by the prime minister.
  • The town crier proclaimed the news in the square.
  • The judge proclaimed the verdict in the courtroom.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'proclamare', where 'pro-' means 'forth' and 'clamare' means 'to shout'.
  • It has been used in English since the 14th century, evolving its meaning to emphasize public declaration.
  • Pronunciation has remained relatively consistent since its introduction into the English language.

Historical Context

  • Kings and queens often proclaimed new laws and decrees, making them known to the subjects.
  • Proclamations were essential in the medieval period for announcing important events like battles or royal births.
  • In the United States, the Declaration of Independence was a key proclamation that established freedom from British rule.

Pop Culture

  • In speeches, famous figures often proclaim their visions for the future, inspiring movements and change.
  • The word is commonly used in film and literature, often when a character is making a bold statement or declaration.
  • Social media allows for instant proclamations, where users can share their thoughts widely with just a click.

Psychology

  • Proclaiming something can boost confidence and influence others, as it shows conviction in one’s beliefs.
  • Public proclamations help create a sense of community and shared goals, strengthening social bonds.
  • The act of proclaiming can also serve as a cathartic release, allowing individuals to express emotions out loud.

Literature

  • Classic literature often features proclamations, highlighting pivotal plot moments where a character’s fate changes.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters proclaim their love, ambitions, or regrets, revealing their innermost thoughts.
  • Proclamation can serve as a narrative tool to foreshadow events or signal turning points in a story.

Translations

Translations of the word "proclaim" in other languages:

🇵🇹 proclamar

🇮🇳 घोषणा करना

🇩🇪 verkünden

🇮🇩 memproklamasikan

🇺🇦 проголошувати

🇵🇱 ogłaszać

🇯🇵 宣言する (せんげんする)

🇫🇷 proclamer

🇪🇸 proclamar

🇹🇷 ilan etmek

🇰🇷 선언하다

🇸🇦 يعلن

🇨🇿 prohlásit

🇸🇰 vyhlásiť

🇨🇳 宣布 (xuānbù)

🇸🇮 razglasiti

🇮🇸 lýsa yfir

🇰🇿 жариялау

🇬🇪 გამოცხადება

🇦🇿 elan etmək

🇲🇽 proclamar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,093, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.