Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/əˈnaʊns/

Definitions

• To make a public or formal statement about something.
• To declare or proclaim a decision, plan, or intention to a group of people.
• To give notice of something, typically an event or a new piece of information.

Usage Examples

• "The president will announce the new policy tomorrow."
• "They announced their engagement at the family gathering."
• "The company announced a major breakthrough in their research."

Etymology

The word "announce" comes from the Old French "annoncer," from the Latin "annuntiare" meaning "to bring news," from "ad-" (toward) + "nuntiare" (to give notice). The word has been in use in English since the 14th century, initially used to refer to the act of making something known or declaring an event or decision to others.

Synonyms

• Proclaim
• Declare
• Report
• Reveal
• Publish

Antonyms

• Conceal
• Suppress
• Hide
• Withhold
• Obscure

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In English, the pronunciation of "announce" is generally consistent, with variations primarily due to regional accents. In American English, the stress is typically placed on the second syllable, while in British English, it may be slightly less pronounced. In non-English languages, pronunciation can vary significantly, reflecting the phonological rules of each language. For example, in French, the "n" sound is nasalized, while in Russian, the stress falls on the first syllable.

Historical Usage

The word "announce" has been in use in the English language since the 14th century, originating from the Old French "annoncer" and Latin "annuntiare." It has been used primarily in contexts of making public statements or proclamations. Historically, it was used for royal or official declarations and later became common in general communication. Over time, it expanded beyond formal settings to include everyday use, including announcements of personal events and public notices.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, announcing significant events—such as royal decrees, public health matters, or personal milestones—is an important social practice. In some cultures, the way an announcement is made, whether through formal ceremonies or informal gatherings, can carry deep cultural meaning. For instance, in some Asian cultures, announcements are often made with a high degree of formality, while in Western cultures, announcements are typically straightforward. In both cases, the act of announcing conveys a sense of importance and public recognition.

More Information

The act of announcing has evolved in the digital age. In modern times, announcements are often made through various forms of media, including social media, news outlets, and digital platforms. The traditional means of announcement, such as town criers and printed posters, have been replaced by more immediate and widespread methods of communication. However, the core idea of announcing something remains the same—making information public in a clear and formal way. Today, "announcing" can also refer to the launch of products, services, or events in the digital and corporate worlds.