# declarative

/dɪklˈæɹətˌɪv/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/declarative
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

making a statement or giving information, not asking a question or giving an order. You use it for sentences like 'She lives in Paris.'

For teachers: stating facts or giving information in the form of a simple statement, as opposed to asking a question or giving a command. In computing, describes programming that specifies a desired result rather than step-by-step instructions.

## Examples

- This is a declarative sentence about the weather.
- The teacher asks the class to change the question into a declarative statement.
- Linguists classify 'The committee approved the proposal' as declarative because it asserts a fact rather than requesting information.

## Antonyms

imperative, interrogative

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before nouns such as 'sentence' or 'statement'; contrasts with 'interrogative' and 'imperative'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.