Declare vs. Define: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 6, 2023
Declare means to announce or state formally; Define means to describe the nature or basic qualities of something.
Key Differences
Declare often conveys the act of making a statement, typically in a formal or emphatic manner. It's about announcing or pronouncing something clearly. Define, however, zeroes in on the specifics, elucidating the precise nature or meaning of a term or concept.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
In legal situations, one might declare their assets or intentions. This involves formally stating or announcing them. In contrast, one might define the terms or concepts within a legal document to ensure clarity and precision, making sure everyone understands exactly what's meant.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Think about a classroom setting. A student might declare their opinion on a topic, openly expressing their view. Yet, if that student uses a technical term or a specific concept, they may need to define it for clarity, ensuring their classmates understand its exact meaning.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
In programming, a coder might declare a variable, introducing it for the first time. They would then define its value or explain its function, assigning specific attributes or characteristics to it.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
In personal interactions, one could declare their feelings or intentions towards someone, making their emotions known. Meanwhile, they might define the boundaries or specifics of a relationship, setting clear expectations about how both parties should behave.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To announce or state formally
To describe or clarify the nature or basic qualities
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Example Usage
Declare independence, declare an emergency
Define a word, define boundaries
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
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Declare and Define Definitions
Declare
To announce one's intention.
She will declare her candidacy for mayor next week.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Define
To describe the nature or basic qualities of something.
The constitution defines the rights of the citizens.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Define
To give shape or form to something.
The river defines the town's western boundary.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Declare
To make known formally or officially; proclaim
Declare that a fugitive has been captured.
Declare a mistrial.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
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Define
To state the exact meaning of a word or phrase.
Can you define this technical term for me?
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Declare
To state emphatically or authoritatively; affirm
"He wrote another prayer declaring that his conscience was weighed down with guilt" (Leo Damrosch).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Define
To delineate the outline or silhouette of.
The artist used shadows to define the shape of the vase.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Define
To state the precise meaning of (a word or sense of a word, for example).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Declare
To designate (a trump suit or no-trump) with the final bid of a hand in bridge.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Define
To describe the nature or basic qualities of; explain
Define the properties of a new drug.
A study that defines people according to their median incomes.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Define
To make clear the outline or form of; delineate
Gentle hills that were defined against the sky.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Define
To specify distinctly
Define the weapons to be used in limited warfare.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Declare
To announce one's intention to run for public office
"My gratitude would keep me loyal to McCarthy even after Bobby Kennedy declared for president" (James Carroll).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Define
To give form or meaning to
"For him, a life is defined by action" (Jay Parini).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Declare
To proclaim one's support, opposition, choice, or opinion
"The party ... has changed, openly declaring for centralized federal power" (Ronald Reagan).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Define
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.
The defining power of an optical instrument
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Declare
To assert or announce formally, officially, explicitly, or emphatically.
He declared him innocent.
Declare bankruptcy
Declare victory
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Define
To express the essential nature of something.
I define myself as a techno-anarchist.
Your past mistakes do not define who you are.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Declare
For the captain of the batting side to announce the innings complete even though all batsmen have not been dismissed.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Define
To state the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol.
The textbook defined speed as velocity divided by time.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Declare
For a constituency in an election to officially announce the result
Houghton and Sunderland South was the first constituency to declare in the 2015 general election.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Define
To describe, explain, or make definite and clear; used to request the listener or other person to elaborate or explain more clearly his or her intended meaning of a word or expression.
Person 1: Is she good at math?
Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no.
Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Declare
(transitive) To inform government customs or taxation officials of goods one is importing or of income, expenses, or other circumstances affecting one's taxes.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Define
To demark sharply the outlines or limits of an area or concept.
To define the legal boundaries of a property
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Jan 17, 2023
Declare
To explicitly establish the existence of (a variable, function, etc.) without necessarily describing its content.
The counter "i" was declared as an integer.
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Jan 17, 2023
Define
(programming) A kind of macro in source code that replaces one text string with another wherever it occurs.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Declare
To make known by language; to communicate or manifest explicitly and plainly in any way; to exhibit; to publish; to proclaim; to announce.
This day I have begot whom I declareMy only Son.
The heavens declare the glory of God.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Define
To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Declare
To make declaration of; to assert; to affirm; to set forth; to avow; as, he declares the story to be false.
I the Lord . . . declare things that are right.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Define
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical instrument.
Rings . . . very distinct and well defined.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Declare
To make full statement of, as goods, etc., for the purpose of paying taxes, duties, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Define
To determine the precise signification of; to fix the meaning of; to describe accurately; to explain; to expound or interpret; as, to define a word, a phrase, or a scientific term.
They define virtue to be life ordered according to nature.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Declare
To make a declaration, or an open and explicit avowal; to proclaim one's self; - often with for or against; as, victory declares against the allies.
Like fawning courtiers, for success they wait,And then come smiling, and declare for fate.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Declare
To state the plaintiff's cause of action at law in a legal form; as, the plaintiff declares in trespass.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Declare
State emphatically and authoritatively;
He declared that he needed more money to carry out the task he was charged with
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Jan 17, 2023
Define
Delineate the form or outline of;
The tree was clearly defined by the light
The camera could define the smallest object
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Jan 17, 2023
Declare
Declare to be;
She was declared incompetent
Judge held that the defendant was innocent
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Jan 17, 2023
Declare
Make a declaration (of dutiable goods) to a customs official;
Do you have anything to declare?
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Jan 17, 2023
Declare
Proclaim one's support, sympathy, or opinion for or against;
His wife declared at once for moving to the West Coast
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Declare
To make known formally or officially.
The president will declare the new policy tomorrow.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Declare
To state emphatically or openly.
He declared his love for her during the party.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
FAQs
In what context is Declare used in programming?
In programming, one might declare a variable or a function.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Does Declare always mean something formal?
Not always, but it often carries a formal or emphatic tone.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Can one Declare feelings?
Yes, one can declare feelings or intentions to someone.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Does Define involve giving specific details?
Yes, defining typically involves providing clarity or specific details.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Is Define just about words?
No, define can also describe the nature, limits, or qualities of things.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Can a person Declare their major in college?
Yes, students often declare their chosen field of study or major.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
How does Define apply to shapes or objects?
Define can refer to outlining or giving shape to something.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Can a country Declare independence?
Yes, countries can declare independence to assert their autonomy.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
How might one Define boundaries in a relationship?
One might define boundaries by setting clear expectations and limits.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Does Declare imply a sense of openness?
Yes, to declare often means to openly or transparently state something.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Can Define be about delineating physical borders?
Yes, one can define physical borders or boundaries of an area.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
When might you need to Define a term in a discussion?
When a term might be unfamiliar or ambiguous, it's helpful to define it.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Can a company Declare bankruptcy?
Yes, companies can declare bankruptcy when facing insurmountable debt.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Is it essential to Define terms in a contract?
Yes, defining terms ensures clarity and mutual understanding in contracts.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Can a mayor Declare a state of emergency?
Yes, officials can declare states of emergency in response to crises.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Can athletes Declare for a draft?
Yes, athletes can declare their intent to join a professional draft.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Is it essential to Define objectives in a project?
Yes, defining objectives sets clear goals and expectations for a project.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Do you always need to Declare goods at customs?
Typically, travelers must declare dutiable or specific goods at customs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
How does Define relate to explanation?
To define often involves offering an explanation or description for clarity.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Can an artist Define a shape using light and shadow?
Yes, artists often define shapes by manipulating light and shadow.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
