dek-luh-RAY-shun
DECLARATION is a formal or explicit statement, announcement, or proclamation, especially one made in an official capacity. In word games, this 11-letter word is worth 14 points in Scrabble and can be strategically played by adding to existing words on the board.
14
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
A DECLARATION is a formal statement or announcement that proclaims, affirms, or makes known something of importance. Whether issued by governments, courts, organizations, or individuals, declarations carry weight through their official nature and public proclamation. From the Declaration of Independence that birthed a nation to customs declarations at borders, this word encompasses both world-changing pronouncements and everyday administrative statements.
In legal contexts, declarations serve as sworn statements made under penalty of perjury, carrying the same weight as testimony given in court. Unlike affidavits, which require notarization, declarations can be self-authenticated with specific language affirming truthfulness. Courts rely on declarations for evidence in motions, particularly in civil cases where written testimony can expedite proceedings. The declarant (person making the declaration) assumes legal responsibility for the accuracy of their statements.
Historically, declarations have shaped the course of human events. The Declaration of Independence (1776) articulated revolutionary principles of self-governance and natural rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) established fundamental freedoms recognized globally. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789) proclaimed liberty, equality, and fraternity during the French Revolution. These documents transcended mere announcements—they codified ideals that transformed societies and inspired movements worldwide.
In international relations, declarations announce national positions, establish diplomatic stances, or proclaim states of war or peace. The Balfour Declaration (1917) expressed British support for a Jewish homeland. The Potsdam Declaration (1945) outlined terms for Japan's surrender. Unlike treaties, which create binding obligations, declarations often express intentions, principles, or interpretations of existing law. They serve as powerful diplomatic tools for shaping international discourse without formal treaty negotiations.
Modern usage extends declaration into numerous contexts: - Tax declarations report income and calculate obligations - Customs declarations list goods crossing borders - Environmental declarations disclose product sustainability - Variable declarations in programming define data types - Declaration of interests reveals potential conflicts - Declaration of conformity certifies product standards
The act of declaring—making something known formally and publicly—distinguishes declarations from mere statements. A declaration implies authority, formality, and consequence. When someone declares bankruptcy, declares war, or declares their candidacy, they're not simply stating facts but initiating formal processes with legal or social ramifications. This performative aspect gives declarations their power.
For word game enthusiasts, DECLARATION presents interesting strategic challenges: - At 11 letters, it exceeds the standard 7-tile rack, requiring board tiles - Can be built from DECLARE (7 letters) by adding -ATION - The common suffix -TION appears in many extendable words - Contains useful letter combinations: DE-, -ATION, -ION - C (3 points) and D (2 points) add modest value to common letters - Multiple As and common letters increase playability
"Declaration" derives from Latin "declaratio," combining "de-" (thoroughly, completely) with "clarare" (make clear), ultimately from "clarus" (clear, bright). The word entered English through Old French "declaration" in the 14th century, initially meaning "action of making clear or manifest." This etymology reveals the word's essence: to make something thoroughly clear and public.
The linguistic evolution traces through:
Related terms share the "clear" root: "declare" (make known clearly), "clarify" (make clear), "declarative" (serving to declare), "declaratory" (making declaration). The suffix "-ation" indicates the action or process, transforming the verb "declare" into the noun form. This pattern appears throughout English in words like "creation," "formation," and "celebration," showing how Latin-derived verbs become formal nouns.
•The Declaration of Independence contains 1,320 words—short enough to read in 10 minutes, powerful enough to change history
•"Declaration" appears in legal documents 500% more often than in general English usage
•The word "declare" at customs comes from the same root—you're making goods "clear" to authorities
•In Scrabble, DECLARE (7 letters) can be extended to DECLARATION by adding -ATION
•The Geneva Declaration (medical ethics) modernized the Hippocratic Oath for contemporary medicine
"The company's declaration of bankruptcy sent shockwaves through the industry, affecting thousands of employees and creditors."
"At customs, travelers must complete a declaration form listing any goods exceeding the duty-free allowance."
"The witness signed a declaration under penalty of perjury, affirming that her statement was true and correct."
"His declaration of love came unexpectedly during the graduation ceremony, leaving everyone stunned and delighted."
Total base points: 14 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 5 | Consonants: 6
Legal statements under penalty of perjury
Formal filing for debt relief
Document establishing fiduciary relationship
American colonies from Britain
UN universal freedoms
British support for Jewish homeland
Shorter words within DECLARATION:
Other official document terms in Scrabble
Legal and formal terms often contain valuable suffixes like -TION, -MENT, and -ATION.
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like DECLARATION