Declaration vs. Proclamation: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A declaration is a formal announcement or statement of intent. A proclamation is an official announcement made by a person of authority.
Key Differences
A declaration is often a formal expression of a decision, opinion, or intention, usually made in a written format. It's often used to declare intentions or states of affairs. In contrast, a proclamation is a more formal announcement, often made by a person in authority or by a government, and it typically pertains to matters of public importance.
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Nov 27, 2023
Declarations are commonly used in legal contexts, such as declaring one's position or stance on a matter. They are also used in personal contexts, like declaring one's commitment in a marriage ceremony. Proclamations, on the other hand, are more formal and official, often used to announce laws, decrees, or celebrations, and are generally intended for a wider audience.
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The purpose of a declaration is often to make known one's opinion or to set forth certain facts. Declarations can be made by individuals or groups and don't necessarily require authority. Proclamations, however, carry a sense of official authority and are often associated with governmental or ceremonial powers.
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Declarations can be part of legal proceedings, such as a declaration of assets in a court case, or personal, such as a declaration of love. Proclamations often mark significant events, such as a proclamation of a national holiday, and are usually intended to reach a broad public.
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In summary, while both declarations and proclamations are formal announcements, declarations focus on expressing opinions, decisions, or intentions and can be personal or legal, whereas proclamations are official, authoritative announcements usually pertaining to public matters.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A formal announcement or statement of intent.
An official announcement by authority.
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Authority Level
Can be made by individuals or groups.
Typically made by someone in authority.
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Purpose
To express decisions, opinions, or intentions.
To announce laws, decrees, or celebrations.
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Scope
Can be personal, legal, or public.
Usually intended for a wide, public audience.
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Examples
Declaring assets, a declaration of love.
Proclaiming a national holiday, royal decrees.
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Declaration and Proclamation Definitions
Declaration
A declaration can be a pronouncement of one's opinions or intentions.
Her declaration of running for office surprised many.
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Proclamation
A proclamation is an official public announcement.
The mayor issued a proclamation declaring a local holiday.
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Declaration
In legal contexts, a declaration is an explicit, formal announcement, often written.
His declaration of innocence was recorded in the court documents.
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Proclamation
Proclamations are typically formal and intended for a wide audience.
The proclamation of the festival dates was awaited by the entire city.
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Declaration
Declarations can be part of official documentation or agreements.
The declaration at the end of the contract clarified the terms.
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Proclamation
A proclamation can also signify the start of something important.
The proclamation marked the beginning of the celebrations.
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Declaration
A declaration is a formal statement or announcement.
The company issued a declaration of its commitment to environmental sustainability.
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Proclamation
A proclamation can announce a decree, law, or state of affairs.
The royal proclamation established the new guidelines for the ceremony.
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Proclamation
Proclamations often come from a government or authoritative body.
The government's proclamation about the new law was broadcast nationwide.
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Proclamation
Something proclaimed, especially an official public announcement.
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Declaration
A formal statement initiating a lawsuit by specifying the facts and legal grounds for the relief sought; a complaint or petition.
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Proclamation
A statement which is proclaimed; formal public announcement.
The Tuesday meetings are only thirty minutes now. That proclamation was made in the previous meeting.
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Proclamation
The act of proclaiming; official or general notice; publication.
King Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none was exempted.
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Declaration
A bid, especially the final bid of a hand in certain card games.
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Proclamation
That which is proclaimed, publicly announced, or officially declared; a published ordinance; as, the proclamation of a king; a Thanksgiving proclamation.
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Proclamation
A formal public statement;
The government made an announcement about changes in the drug war
A declaration of independence
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Declaration
A written or oral indication of a fact, opinion, intention, belief, etc.
A declaration of love
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Proclamation
The formal act of proclaiming; giving public notice;
His promulgation of the policy proved to be premature
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Declaration
A list of items for various legal purposes, e.g. customs declaration.
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Declaration
(cricket) The act, by the captain of a batting side, of declaring an innings closed.
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Declaration
(legal) In common law, the formal document specifying plaintiff's cause of action, including the facts necessary to sustain a proper cause of action, and to advise the defendant of the grounds upon which he is being sued.
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Declaration
(computing) The specification of an object, such as a variable or function, establishing its existence but not necessarily describing its contents.
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Declaration
The act of declaring, or publicly announcing; explicit asserting; undisguised token of a ground or side taken on any subject; proclamation; exposition; as, the declaration of an opinion; a declaration of war, etc.
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Declaration
That which is declared or proclaimed; announcement; distinct statement; formal expression; avowal.
Declarations of mercy and love . . . in the Gospel.
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Declaration
The document or instrument containing such statement or proclamation; as, the Declaration of Independence (now preserved in Washington).
In 1776 the Americans laid before Europe that noble Declaration, which ought to be hung up in the nursery of every king, and blazoned on the porch of every royal palace.
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Declaration
(law) unsworn statement that can be admitted in evidence in a legal transaction;
His declaration of innocence
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Declaration
(contract bridge) the highest bid becomes the contract setting the number of tricks that the bidder must make
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Declaration
A formal public statement;
The government made an announcement about changes in the drug war
A declaration of independence
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Declaration
A declaration can also be a personal statement of belief or feeling.
His declaration of love was heartfelt and sincere.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a declaration?
A declaration is a formal statement, announcement, or expression of intent.
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What is a proclamation?
A proclamation is an official announcement, usually made by someone in authority.
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Can a declaration be legally binding?
Yes, certain declarations, like those in legal contexts, can be legally binding.
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Is a declaration always written?
Declarations are often written, but they can also be made verbally.
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Can a city mayor make a proclamation?
Yes, mayors often issue proclamations for local events or observances.
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Who typically issues proclamations?
Proclamations are typically issued by governmental bodies or persons in authority.
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Do proclamations have a ceremonial aspect?
Often, yes, especially when related to events or official observances.
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Can a proclamation declare a holiday?
Yes, governmental proclamations can declare holidays.
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Are proclamations legally enforceable?
Some proclamations, especially those related to laws or decrees, can be legally enforceable.
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What's the purpose of a proclamation?
To officially announce important information, laws, or events to the public.
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Are declarations used in contracts?
Yes, declarations are often part of contractual agreements.
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Who can make a declaration?
Declarations can be made by individuals, groups, or legal entities.
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Can declarations be personal?
Yes, declarations can be personal, like a declaration of love.
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Can declarations change legal status?
In some cases, like a declaration of bankruptcy, they can change legal status.
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Do declarations need to be witnessed?
Some formal declarations, especially legal ones, may need witnessing.
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Do declarations require approval?
Depending on the context, some declarations may require approval or validation.
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Are proclamations part of legal proceedings?
Not typically; they are more for public information and ceremonial purposes.
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How do people get informed about proclamations?
Through public announcements, media, or official communications.
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Is a declaration the same as a statement?
While similar, a declaration is usually more formal than a general statement.
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Can anyone issue a proclamation?
Generally, only those in positions of authority can issue official proclamations.
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Nov 27, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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