DECLAIM • DICCIONARIO INGLES.COM • Definition of Declaim

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/dɪklˈeɪm/ Listen

verb

Declaim v. t.

To utter in public; to deliver in a rhetorical or set manner.

To defend by declamation; to advocate loudly. (Obs.) "Declaims his cause."

Declaim v. i. (past & past part. declaimed; pres. part. declaiming)

To speak rhetorically; to make a formal speech or oration; to harangue; specifically, to recite a speech, poem, etc., in public as a rhetorical exercise; to practice public speaking; as, the students declaim twice a week.

To speak for rhetorical display; to speak pompously, noisily, or theatrically; to make an empty speech; to rehearse trite arguments in debate; to rant. "Grenville seized the opportunity to declaim on the repeal of the stamp act."

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Etymology of 'Declaim'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Declaim" Quotes from Famous Books

... presence of genius, refused to sing "Il pleut, il pleut, Bergere," but condescended to declaim "La Cigalle ayant chante tout l'ete," and did it as he alone can do it. When he came to the end of the fable, "Eh bien, dansez maintenant," he gave such a tragic shake to his head that the voluminous folds of his cravat became loosened and ...

— In the Courts of Memory 1858-1875. • L. de Hegermann-Lindencrone

... mothers a long, long time to become reconciled to the complete usurpation of all their former rights by this new parent whom their boys are bound to serve,—this anything but Alma Mater,—the war school of the nation. As for Miss Nan, though she made it a point to declaim vigorously at the fates that prevented her seeing more of her brother, it was wonderful how well she looked and in what blithe spirits she spent her days. Regularly as the sun came around, before guard-mount ...

— Starlight Ranch - and Other Stories of Army Life on the Frontier • Charles King

... was then Our theme. I rather wished to hear than to declaim upon this subject, yet I never seek to disguise that I think it has no recommendation of sufficient value to compensate its evil excitement ...

— The Diary and Letters of Madam D'Arblay Volume 2 • Madame D'Arblay

... would I had known you in happier days, when I should have been able to enjoy your genius and admire your art. You must be a great actor, for you have a wonderfully sonorous and pliable voice. I should like to hear you declaim, even though you should recite ...

— Andreas Hofer • Lousia Muhlbach

... numbers of printers (perhaps also in their wages); now the printers for some time have been in comparative depression.... I do not contend that all lowering of wages by masters is merciful and just, but that some may be; whereas the Socialists and Co. instantly declaim against all or any lowering, without entering into any details as to present or past history of the trade. When I said that machinery is in every light the friend of the poor, I do not think I overlooked the occasional mischief caused by its sudden introduction.... ...

— Memoir and Letters of Francis W. Newman • Giberne Sieveking

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