In this lesson: Master claim/clam (cry out) — where loqu talks, claim shouts. Every prefix aims the shout somewhere different.
About This Root
From Latin clamare (to cry out, shout). The voice-raising sense shapes legal and emotional vocabulary — claim (to assert loudly), exclaim (to cry out), proclaim (to cry forth publicly), acclaim (to shout approval), disclaim (to cry against/deny), and clamor (loud shouting). Prefixes direct the shout: ex- outward, pro- forward, ac- toward, de- down.
Focus words· 8
pro- (forward, publicly) + claim (cry out) = to shout forth for all to hear. Stronger and more official than 'announce' — a proclamation is a formal, public declaration, often by an authority (proclaim independence, proclaim a holiday).
The colony proclaimed its independence in 1776.
The government proclaimed a state of emergency.
In proclaim and exclaim, the root claim/clam means…
ac- (toward, from ad-) + claim → "shout toward someone in approval." Which word?
To speak or recite in a theatrical, impassioned manner; to protest vehemently
Extended family · 16 words
See the root page for the full family.
Don't confuse
loqu speaks; claim cries out. eloquent describes fine speech; declaim describes theatrical, oratorical delivery — GRE uses declaim/declamation with a whiff of pomposity. Keep the volume difference in mind.
Practice
What does the root claim/clam mean?