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
Derived 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.
“If they are saying it’s definitely happening or making declarative sentences like that, that’s something to be concerned about.”
From MarketWatch • May 27, 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
Instead, authors turned out a lot of flat, declarative prose; clipped, “masculine” dialogue; and a form of realism bound to personal experience.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026
Even if she just stood out there with a sign and registered her displeasure just once, she needed to be loud, to say a declarative no to what was happening around her.
From Slate • Oct. 22, 2025
It was not so much a question as a declarative statement.
From "The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez
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.
