English Reference
verb · noun

claim

v. · n.
US /ˈkɫeɪm/ UK /klˈeɪm/ claim UK spelling claimed, claims

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.to say that something is true, even though you have not proved it yet.

    v.to assert that something is the case, typically without providing immediate proof or evidence.

    Simple

    He claims that he saw a ghost in the hallway, but nobody believes him.

    In context

    The company continues to claim that their product is environmentally friendly, despite several independent reports suggesting otherwise.

    denydisavow
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    v.to ask for something because you believe it belongs to you or you have a right to it.

    v.to demand or request something as a right or as due to one.

    Simple

    You can claim your travel expenses back from the company after the trip.

    In context

    After the storm damage, the homeowners moved quickly to claim compensation from their insurance provider for the structural repairs.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    v.to cause the death of someone, usually during an accident or disaster.

    v.to result in the loss of life. Transitive use often found in news reporting.

    Simple

    The heavy floods claimed three lives in the small village last night.

    In context

    The earthquake claimed thousands of lives and left the city's infrastructure in a state of total collapse.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    n.a statement that something is true, which might be doubted by others.

    n.an assertion of the truth of something, typically one that is disputed or in doubt.

    Simple

    The government's claim that taxes would not rise was met with anger.

    In context

    Scientists are investigating the claim that this ancient herb can effectively treat modern viral infections.

  5. 05 B1 Intermediate Law

    n.a formal request for money from an insurance company or the government.

    n.a formal request for something, typically money, to which one has a right.

    Simple

    She filed a claim for the damage to her car after the accident.

    In context

    The legal team spent months preparing a claim for damages against the manufacturer for the faulty equipment.

Usage claimed the lives · claim her first · claims of plagiarism


From Middle English claimen, borrowed from Old French clamer (“to call, name, send for”), from Latin clāmō, clāmāre (“to call, cry out”), from Proto-Italic klāmāō, from Proto-Indo-European kelh₁- (“to shout”), which is imitative. See also Lithuanian kalba (“language”), Old English hlōwan (“to low, make a noise like a cow”), Old High German halan (“to call”), Ancient Greek καλέω (kaléō, “to call, convoke”), κλέδον (klédon, “report, fame”), κέλαδος (kélados, “noise”), Middle Irish cailech (“cock”), Latin calō (“to call out, announce solemnly”), Sanskrit उषःकल (uṣaḥkala, “cock”, literally “dawn-calling”). Cognate with Spanish llamar and clamar.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin ine-pro *kelh₁-
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated