Vocabulary Spotlight
Declaim
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To speak or deliver a speech in a loud, emphatic, or theatrical manner.
“The politician declaimed his views passionately to the crowd.”
Pronunciation
[dih-kleym]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Proclaim
Recite
Harangue
Speak
Antonyms
Mumble
Mutter
Conceal
Hide
Related Words
Rhetoric
Elocution
Word Origin
“Declaim” comes from the Latin “declamare,” meaning “to make a formal speech.” It has been used in English since the 16th century, often associated with theatrical or emphatic speech.
Word Family
Verb: Declaim – To speak loudly and emphatically.
Noun: Declamation – The act of delivering a speech or recitation.
Related Noun: Declaimer – A person who declaims or speaks emphatically.
Mnemonics
Think “Declaim” as “Declare + Exclaim” – speaking out with strong, emphatic words.
Industry-specific Usage
Public Speaking
In public speaking, to declaim is to deliver a speech in a forceful and impassioned way.
Theater
In theater, actors often declaim their lines to convey strong emotion and intensity on stage.
Politics
Politicians may declaim during speeches to express their stance or rally support for a cause.
In Context
“Declaim” often refers to speaking in an impassioned or theatrical manner, particularly in public or formal settings. It implies a style that is loud, clear, and highly expressive.