Proclaim
UK /["/prəˈkleɪm/","/prəˈkleɪmz/","/prəˈkleɪmd/","/prəˈkleɪmɪŋ/"]/US /["/prəˈkleɪm/","/prəˈkleɪmz/","/prəˈkleɪmd/","/prəˈkleɪmɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to publicly and officially tell people about something important
In simple words: To announce or say something publicly.
Examples
- The president will proclaim a national holiday to celebrate the country's independence.
- She stood on the stage to proclaim her support for the environmental movement.
- The ancient inscription proclaims the achievements of the great king.
- The organization proclaims itself as a leading advocate for human rights.
- He wanted to proclaim his innocence loudly to anyone who would listen.
Usage notes
Used in speeches or declarations. It sounds formal, so it's best for official or serious contexts; less appropriate for casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
proclaim + object
Memory hint
Sounds like 'pro-claim' — imagine someone making a big claim to an audience.
Collocations
- loudly
- formally
- officially
- seem to
- continue to
- as
- to
- loudly
- formally
- officially
- seem to
- continue to
- as
- to
Synonyms
- declare
Antonyms
- conceal
- suppress
- withhold
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'declare' – both mean to make known, but 'proclaim' sounds more public.
- Using 'proclaim' in casual settings where simpler words work better.
- Omitting the object – remember to say what is being proclaimed.