Declaim

Verb

Definition: To utter or deliver words, especially in a rhetorical or impassioned way, as if to an audience.

Synonyms: Deliver, Speak, Pronounce

Antonyms: Listen, Withhold, Be silent

Examples:
  • The politician declaimed about the injustices of the system.
  • The actor declaimed his lines with great emotion.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of a powerful speech that is delivered with passion, emphasizing the "claim" in "declaim".
  • Remember the word by associating it with "proclaim", which also involves speaking passionately.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle French "declarer" or Latin "declamare"

Historical Usage:

The term "declaim" originated in Latin and was widely used in classical rhetoric to refer to the art of delivering an elaborate, memorized speech. It has been used since the 15th century in English to signify speaking with passion, conviction, or dramatic flourish.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Declaim from the rooftops"

Explanation:

A metaphorical expression indicating speaking openly and passionately about something important or significant.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "declaim" with "acclaim".

Explanation:

"Declaim" means to speak passionately or with great emotion, while "acclaim" means to praise or applaud enthusiastically. These words have different meanings and should not be confused with each other.

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