declarative
Americanadjective
adjective
Usage
What does declarative mean? Declarative describes something that makes information known, offers an explicit explanation, or describes something that makes an official statement, as in The prime minister gave a declarative speech on her opposition to the war. If someone is giving a declarative statement, then they are clearly and firmly stating something, as in The mayor’s declarative report detailed her plans to decrease pollution. In English grammar, a declarative sentence is used to state facts, opinions, or other information, as this sentence does. Another word for declarative is declaratory, which is often used in law and legal documentation. Example: When Ming started skipping practices, the coach saw it as a declarative statement that Ming was done with the team.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of declarative
1530–40; < Latin dēclārātīvus explanatory, equivalent to dēclārāt ( us ) ( see declaration) + -īvus -ive
Explanation
A declarative sentence states a fact. This word can be used to describe any action or speech that makes a statement. "I love the Red Sox!" is a declarative sentence — you're claiming or asserting something. Declarative sentences are the opposite of questions. Known as a "mood" in the grammar world, you can also use declarative to describe other things that make a definite statement. A strongly worded political sign could be declarative. A tone of voice could be confident and declarative. Even a bold outfit could be declarative of your unique style.
Vocabulary lists containing declarative
Language and Grammar - Introductory
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The AP English Exam: Writing, Grammar, and Word Choice
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Sentences - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Last week the Economist, a publication with a long and spotty track record of declarative certitude in the face of unpredictability, announced that the war was an American failure.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026
The audience seem to know every word - with the whole room reverberating to the declarative, "I don't need a boyfriend", that crops up in the second verse of Nice To Each Other.
From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026
This lack of preexisting health guidelines has made it hard for public health officials to describe the situation at the coast in simple, declarative terms.
From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2025
He further argued that concept cells were fundamental components, or building blocks, of declarative memory.
From Salon • Mar. 25, 2025
He spoke in declarative statements, I spoke in questions.
From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
