Declare vs. Define: What's the Difference?

Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

To announce or state formally

To describe or clarify the nature or basic qualities

Example Usage

Declare independence, declare an emergency

Define a word, define boundaries

Associated With

Announcements, proclamations

Descriptions, explanations

Antonyms

Conceal, withhold

Obscure, complicate

Declare and Define Definitions

Declare

To announce one's intention.

She will declare her candidacy for mayor next week.

Define

To describe the nature or basic qualities of something.

The constitution defines the rights of the citizens.

Declare

To reveal something about oneself.

He declared himself a vegetarian.

Define

To give shape or form to something.

The river defines the town's western boundary.

Declare

To make known formally or officially; proclaim

Declare that a fugitive has been captured.

Declare a mistrial.

Define

To state the exact meaning of a word or phrase.

Can you define this technical term for me?

Declare

To state emphatically or authoritatively; affirm

"He wrote another prayer declaring that his conscience was weighed down with guilt" (Leo Damrosch).

Define

To delineate the outline or silhouette of.

The artist used shadows to define the shape of the vase.

Declare

To reveal or make manifest; show

His smile declared his agreement.

Define

To specify distinctly.

Please define the boundaries of the project.

Declare

To make a full statement of (dutiable goods, for example).

Define

To state the precise meaning of (a word or sense of a word, for example).

Declare

To designate (a trump suit or no-trump) with the final bid of a hand in bridge.

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.

Declare

To reveal (a combination of cards) to be added to one's score.

Define

To make clear the outline or form of; delineate

Gentle hills that were defined against the sky.

Declare

To make a declaration.

Define

To specify distinctly

Define the weapons to be used in limited warfare.

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).

Define

To give form or meaning to

"For him, a life is defined by action" (Jay Parini).

Declare

To proclaim one's support, opposition, choice, or opinion

"The party ... has changed, openly declaring for centralized federal power" (Ronald Reagan).

Define

To make or write a definition.

Declare

To make clear, explain, interpret.

Define

To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.

The defining power of an optical instrument

Declare

To assert or announce formally, officially, explicitly, or emphatically.

He declared him innocent.

Declare bankruptcy

Declare victory

Define

(obsolete) To settle, decide an argument etc.

Declare

(card games) To show one's cards in order to score.

Define

To express the essential nature of something.

I define myself as a techno-anarchist.

Your past mistakes do not define who you are.

Declare

For the captain of the batting side to announce the innings complete even though all batsmen have not been dismissed.

Define

To state the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol.

The textbook defined speed as velocity divided by time.

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.

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.

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.

Define

To demark sharply the outlines or limits of an area or concept.

To define the legal boundaries of a property

Declare

(transitive) To make outstanding debts, e.g. taxes, payable.

Define

(mathematics) To establish the referent of a term or notation.

Declare

To explicitly establish the existence of (a variable, function, etc.) without necessarily describing its content.

The counter "i" was declared as an integer.

Define

(programming) A kind of macro in source code that replaces one text string with another wherever it occurs.

Declare

To make clear; to free from obscurity.

Define

To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end.

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.

Define

To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.

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.

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.

Declare

To make full statement of, as goods, etc., for the purpose of paying taxes, duties, etc.

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.

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.

Define

To determine; to decide.

Declare

To state the plaintiff's cause of action at law in a legal form; as, the plaintiff declares in trespass.

Define

Give a definition for the meaning of a word;

Define `sadness'

Declare

State emphatically and authoritatively;

He declared that he needed more money to carry out the task he was charged with

Define

Determine the essential quality of

Declare

Announce publicly or officially;

The President declared war

Define

Determine the nature of;

What defines a good wine?

Declare

State firmly;

He declared that he was innocent

Define

Delineate the form or outline of;

The tree was clearly defined by the light

The camera could define the smallest object

Declare

Declare to be;

She was declared incompetent

Judge held that the defendant was innocent

Declare

Authorize payments of;

Declare dividends

Declare

Designate (a trump suit or no-trump) with the final bid of a hand

Declare

Make a declaration (of dutiable goods) to a customs official;

Do you have anything to declare?

Declare

Proclaim one's support, sympathy, or opinion for or against;

His wife declared at once for moving to the West Coast

Declare

To make known formally or officially.

The president will declare the new policy tomorrow.

Declare

To state emphatically or openly.

He declared his love for her during the party.

FAQs

In what context is Declare used in programming?

In programming, one might declare a variable or a function.

Does Declare always mean something formal?

Not always, but it often carries a formal or emphatic tone.

Can one Declare feelings?

Yes, one can declare feelings or intentions to someone.

Does Define involve giving specific details?

Yes, defining typically involves providing clarity or specific details.

Is Define just about words?

No, define can also describe the nature, limits, or qualities of things.

Can a person Declare their major in college?

Yes, students often declare their chosen field of study or major.

How does Define apply to shapes or objects?

Define can refer to outlining or giving shape to something.

Can a country Declare independence?

Yes, countries can declare independence to assert their autonomy.

How might one Define boundaries in a relationship?

One might define boundaries by setting clear expectations and limits.

Does Declare imply a sense of openness?

Yes, to declare often means to openly or transparently state something.

Can Define be about delineating physical borders?

Yes, one can define physical borders or boundaries of an area.

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.

Can a company Declare bankruptcy?

Yes, companies can declare bankruptcy when facing insurmountable debt.

Is it essential to Define terms in a contract?

Yes, defining terms ensures clarity and mutual understanding in contracts.

Can a mayor Declare a state of emergency?

Yes, officials can declare states of emergency in response to crises.

Can athletes Declare for a draft?

Yes, athletes can declare their intent to join a professional draft.

Is it essential to Define objectives in a project?

Yes, defining objectives sets clear goals and expectations for a project.

Do you always need to Declare goods at customs?

Typically, travelers must declare dutiable or specific goods at customs.

How does Define relate to explanation?

To define often involves offering an explanation or description for clarity.

Can an artist Define a shape using light and shadow?

Yes, artists often define shapes by manipulating light and shadow.

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About Author

Written by

Janet White

Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.

Edited by

Aimie Carlson

Aimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.