Definition

1. Noun:
   • A formal public statement or proclamation: The act of announcing something publicly, often in an official or ceremonial manner.
   • (Christianity, often capitalized as Annunciation): The announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This event marks the Incarnation.
   • (Christianity, often capitalized as Annunciation): A festival in the Christian church (celebrated on March 25th) commemorating the announcement of the Incarnation.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (General Public Statement):

  • The annunciation of the new policy was met with mixed reactions.
  • The king's annunciation was read in every town square.

• Noun (Christian Theology, capitalized):

  • The painting depicts the scene of the Annunciation.
  • The feast of the Annunciation is a major celebration in the liturgical calendar.

Advanced Usage

• "The Annunciation": Used as a proper noun to refer specifically to the biblical event or its artistic depictions.
  • Leonardo da Vinci's "Annunciation" is a famous Renaissance painting.
• Formal/Literary Use: Can be used in a formal or literary context for any significant proclamation.
  • The annunciation of the scientific discovery changed the field forever.

Variants and Related Words

• Announce (verb): To make a formal public statement about a fact, occurrence, or intention.
  • The company will announce its earnings tomorrow.
• Announcement (noun): A public and typically formal statement about a fact, occurrence, or intention. (This is the more common, general term compared to "annunciation").
  • We are waiting for an official announcement.
• Annunciator (noun): A person or device that announces something.

Synonyms

• Proclamation: A public or official announcement, especially one dealing with a matter of great importance.
• Declaration: A formal or explicit statement or announcement.
• Pronouncement: A formal or authoritative announcement or declaration.

Related Phrases

• Herald the annunciation of: To signal or indicate the announcement of something important.
  • The first robin of spring heralds the annunciation of warmer weather.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. a formal public statement
   • the government made an announcement about changes in the drug war
   • a declaration of independence
2. (Christianity) the announcement to the Virgin Mary by the angel Gabriel of the incarnation of Christ
3. a festival commemorating the announcement of the Incarnation by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary; a quarter day in England, Wales, and Ireland