declaration
UK[ˌdekləˈreɪʃn]US[ˌdekləˈreɪʃn]
n
A formal or explicit statement or announcement.
n
The action of making such a statement.
n
A listing of goods, property, or income for official purposes, especially for taxation.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
clar
ation
de
completely
clar
clear
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'declaration' traces its lineage to Latin, formed from the verb 'declarare', meaning "to make clear, reveal, disclose, or announce." This verb itself is a compound of the intensive prefix 'de-' and the adjective 'clarus' (clear). The core logic is one of moving something from a state of obscurity into a state of complete clarity, often publicly. Borrowed into English via Old French in the 14th century, it originally carried the sense of a formal proclamation. Over time, its usage expanded to encompass any explicit statement of fact, intent, or inventory, retaining the fundamental idea of making something unequivocally clear and known.
Analysis
Structure: de (completely) + clar (clear) + ation (noun suffix)
- de: A Latin prefix meaning "completely, thoroughly, down, away."
- clar: From Latin 'clarus', meaning "clear, bright, loud, famous."
- ation: A noun-forming suffix of Latin origin, indicating an action or process, or the result of an action.
Examples
The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a pivotal moment in American history.
You must make a customs declaration for any goods over the allowed limit.
Her sudden declaration of love took him completely by surprise.