declaim
/dɪˈkleɪm/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈkleɪm/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈklām dē-/ (ame, mw)
declaim — verb
- declaimpresent simple I / you / we / they
- declaimshe / she / it
- declaimedpast simple
- declaiming-ing form
1. to speak loudly and with strong emotion, stating your opinions forcefully, often
to speak loudly and with strong emotion, stating your opinions forcefully, often in a formal setting such as a public meeting or stage performance
Mei-Lin declaimed a poem about the struggles of immigrant workers at the university open-mic night.
declaim + noun phrase (transitive, public performance)
The senator declaimed passionately against the proposed cuts to public education funding.
declaim + against + topic (intransitive, impassioned opposition)
Omar stood on the stone steps and declaimed his speech to the crowd below.
Even at family dinners, Uncle Hiro would declaim at length about the government's latest policies.
Kwame walked onto the stage and declaimed a powerful address about climate justice.
- declare
neutral and factual; lacks the emotional force of 'declaim'
- proclaim
suggests making something known publicly with authority, often used for official announcements
- rant
informal; implies angry, uncontrolled, or complain-driven speech
- harangue
implies a long, aggressive speech aimed at persuading or criticising, often with an accusatory tone
文法句型
declaim + noun phrase (speech / poem / address)
declaim + against / about + topic
declaim + adverb (passionately / loudly / at length)
用法筆記
Frequently used with a prepositional phrase introduced by 'against' or 'about' when the focus is on the topic of opposition. This sense can carry a slightly theatrical connotation — the speaker is not just stating facts but performing the statement with dramatic force. In everyday conversation, 'rant' (informal) or 'speak out against' (neutral) are more common alternatives.