Cool MateProclaim vs Put word out
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Proclaim
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)C1verb
Put word out
Top 3,000 (common)
Most formal: ProclaimMost common: Put word out
| Proclaim | Put word out | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/prəˈkleɪm/","/prəˈkleɪmz/","/prəˈkleɪmd/","/prəˈkleɪmɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/prəˈkleɪm/","/prəˈkleɪmz/","/prəˈkleɪmd/","/prəˈkleɪmɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //pʊt wɜːd aʊt//🇺🇸 //pʊt wɝːd aʊt// |
| Meaning | To announce or say something publicly. | To announce or share information publicly. |
| Example | The president will proclaim a national holiday to celebrate the country's independence. | They decided to put the word out about the charity event. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | loudly, formally, officially, seem to, continue to, as, to, loudly, formally, officially, seem to, continue to, as, to | put the word out, put the word out quickly, put the word out widely, put the word out about something, put the word out to everyone |
| 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. | Confusing with 'put out' which means to extinguish., Using it in very formal contexts where a more specific term is needed., Mistaking it for 'get the word out' which carries a similar but slightly different meaning. |
| Usage notes | Used in speeches or declarations. It sounds formal, so it's best for official or serious contexts; less appropriate for casual conversations. | Use in informal contexts when sharing news or announcements; less common in formal writing. Avoid using with very sensitive or private information. |
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Frequently asked questions: Proclaim vs Put word out
What's the difference between Proclaim and Put word out?
Proclaim: To announce or say something publicly. Put word out: To announce or share information publicly.
Which is more formal: Proclaim and Put word out?
Proclaim is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Proclaim and Put word out?
Put word out is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Proclaim: The president will proclaim a national holiday to celebrate the country's independence. Put word out: They decided to put the word out about the charity event.
Can I use Proclaim and Put word out interchangeably?
Not always. Proclaim and Put word out are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.