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to make a statement

to make a statement

125 3.8
To show an opinion in public by what you wear or do
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : hacer una declaración
  • Everyone in the group has the opportunity to make a statement of appreciation to someone else in the room.

He simply makes a statement, that's all.

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Examples

  • If either one of you would like to make a statement before the commission passes judgment, you may do so at this time.

  • Trying to make a statement, huh?

  • And then he was going to make a statement and find his way out.

  • Unless you would like to make a statement otherwise.

  • I need to make a statement.

  • Are you gonna make a statement?

  • The President will be making a statement in due time; until then, we have no comment.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • It's the perfect time to make a statement, to make a statement to let you know where your life ends and mine begins.

  • Being as kind as I can about my sister, I think she likes to make a statement and challenge the status quo.

  • On behalf of the Hassan family, I would like to make a statement to the press.

Synonyms

to announce
vsto make a statement
1.5

To tell people officially about something, often in public

can be more symbolic and aimed at showing beliefs rather than news
to express
vsto make a statement
2.3

To show ideas and feelings by words or actions

narrows this to public acts aimed at conveying beliefs or values
to declare
vsto make a statement
  • Formal
950 3.7

To officially tell other people or officials about something

is often less formal and focuses on sending a value-based message
to assert
vsto make a statement
229 3.9

To clearly and firmly say your needs or opinions

is often less formal and more about communicating values publicly
to proclaim
vsto make a statement
  • Formal
229 5.3

To officially announce something to the public

can be less formal and more about expressing personal values
to speak out
vsto make a statement
220 3.4

To say your opinion or feelings openly even when it is difficult

is similar but may aim more to signal beliefs or values
to voice
vsto make a statement
152 3.2

To say something aloud, especially an opinion or feeling

focuses more on signaling beliefs and attracting attention
to speak up
vsto make a statement
  • Informal
135 3.1

Give your opinion clearly and firmly even when it is difficult

can be public and attention getting, not only brave speaking
to send a message
vsto make a statement
  • Informal
81 3.4

To make people understand an idea or feeling without saying it directly

is more direct and public, often using words to state beliefs
to opine
vsto make a statement
24 7.9

To say what you think about something

is more public and aimed at signalling values rather than just opinion
to speak one's mind
vsto make a statement
  • Informal
21 3.5

Say what you think openly

is more about public signalling rather than private frankness
to voice opinion
vsto make a statement
15 3.2

To say your thoughts or views aloud in public

is broader, stressing a public message that reflects values
to give voice
vsto make a statement
15 4.3

To put thoughts or feelings into words

adds the idea of doing this to show values or attract notice
to make a big announcement
vsto make a statement
2 3.4

To tell important news to many people in public

can instead be an expressive act to communicate values or stance
to make a bold statement
vsto make a statement
1 4.6

To say or show something that attracts attention and shows confidence

is broader and can express values without needing to be dramatic

Antonyms

90 2.5

To say nothing or not tell a secret

To not tell others your thoughts or feelings

How Public

to make a statement
125 3.8
to state
1.6
to mention
1.0

Surface Forms

make a statement infinitive
made a statement past participle
making a statement present participle
makes a statement third person singular

Morphology

make + a + statement

The meaning 'to express an opinion or message publicly' is directly derivable from combining 'make' (to produce/cause) with 'statement' (a verbal or written expression); the article 'a' is semantically neutral. This compositional pattern is common cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words would readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Make a statement comes from the simple image of someone making a visible statement, like painting a sign or wearing bold clothes to show what they believe. So, make a statement now means 'to express an opinion' or 'to show your values' in a way people notice.