The roots -clam and -claim come from words that mean to call out or to cry out.
claim (v)
to show or say that something is yours I claim the desk by the window! She claimed her seat at the table before anyone else. proclaim (v.)
to announce or tell something important The King proclaimed a holiday to celebrate the end of the war. The teacher proclaimed the end of the test when the bell rang. unclaimed (adj.)
belonging to no one; no one has said it is theirs If this phone is still unclaimed by the end of the day, it will be mine. This essay had no name on it and it was unclaimed by any of the students. |
exclaim (v)
to shout or speak strongly, especially with surprise or excitement “Hurray! No homework!” the students exclaimed. She exclaimed in horror when she saw the dead body. reclaim (v.)
to take back After my brother stole my candy, I reclaimed it from his room. You can reclaim your phone at the end of the day. |