claim
gb/klˈeɪm/ us/klˈeɪm/
B1
English
~ 900
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Say something is true
To say that something is true, even if you cannot prove it.
Usage pattern:
to claim (that) [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'claim' with 'complain'; 'claim' means to say something is true, while 'complain' means to express dissatisfaction.
Synonyms
assert (Slightly more formal and confident in tone.)
Antonyms
deny (To state that something is not true.)
Collocations
claim responsibility
|claim innocence
|claim victory
|claim ownership
Themes
communication
|law
|media
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She claims she saw him at the station.
- The company claims its product is the best on the market.
- He claimed he had never met her before.
- The witness claimed to have heard a gunshot.
Learner examples
- She claims she is a doctor.
- He claims he knows the answer.
- They claim the movie is very good.
- I claim I saw a big bird.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Statement that something is true
A sentence where someone says something is true, even if they have no proof.
Usage pattern:
a claim that [clause]
Synonyms
assertion (More formal; often used in academic or legal contexts.)
Antonyms
denial (A statement saying something is not true.)
Collocations
make a claim
|false claim
|support a claim
|prove a claim
Themes
communication
|law
|media
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The claim that the earth is flat has been disproven.
- Her claim of ownership was challenged in court.
- He made a claim about the company's profits.
Learner examples
- Her claim is not true.
- The claim is false.
- I do not believe his claim.
- She made a claim about the car.
Verb
B1
action
3
Ask for what is yours
To ask for something because you think it belongs to you or you should get it.
Usage pattern:
to claim [something] from [someone/place]
Synonyms
demand (Stronger and more forceful than 'claim'.)
Antonyms
relinquish (To give up something you have a right to.)
Collocations
claim damages
|claim a refund
|claim benefits
Themes
law
|business
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- You can claim your prize at the front desk.
- She claimed her luggage at the airport.
- They claimed compensation for the delay.
Learner examples
- I will claim my bag now.
- She claimed her money from the bank.
- You can claim your ticket here.
Noun
B1
entity
4
Official request for money/property
A formal request for money or things you think you should get.
Usage pattern:
a claim for [something]
Synonyms
application (In some contexts; more general and less tied to rights.)
Antonyms
withdrawal (The act of taking back or removing a request.)
Collocations
insurance claim
|compensation claim
|file a claim
Themes
law
|business
|finance
Examples
- He filed a claim for unemployment benefits.
- The insurance company processed her claim quickly.
- They rejected his claim for compensation.
Learner examples
- I made a claim for my lost bag.
- She filed a claim for money.
- We sent a claim to the company.
Verb
B2
action
5
Take control or cause harm/death
To take something, especially in a way that causes damage or death.
Usage pattern:
to claim [someone/something]
Synonyms
take (Very general; 'claim' adds formality and gravity.)
Antonyms
spare (To avoid harming or killing.)
Collocations
claim lives
|claim victims
Themes
disasters
|war
|nature
|health
Examples
- The earthquake claimed hundreds of lives.
- The fire claimed two buildings in the town.
- The disease has claimed many victims.
Learner examples
- The storm claimed many lives.
- The fire claimed two houses.
- War claims many people every year.
Grammar
Dictionary form
claim
IPA
GB/klˈeɪm/
US/klˈeɪm/
Syllables & stress
claim (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (claim)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: claim
- Plural: claims
Verb
- Base: claim
- 3rd Person Singular: claims
- Present Participle: claiming
- Past: claimed
Word family
Forms
claims
noun
claiming
verb
claimed
verb
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
disclaim
verb C1
unclaimed
adjective
Advanced or less common
reclamation
noun
Expressions
lay claim to
1/lˈeɪ klˈeɪm tə/
fixed phrase
Say you own/have rights to something
To say that you own something or have the right to it.
Examples
- Several countries lay claim to the island.
- She laid claim to the invention after it became popular.
stake a claim
1/stˈeɪk ə klˈeɪm/
fixed phrase
Clearly assert your right to something
To clearly say that something should be yours or that you should have it.
Examples
- He staked a claim to the empty seat by putting his bag on it.
- The team staked their claim as championship contenders with a big win.
claim to fame
1/klˈeɪm tə fˈeɪm/
idiom
informal
Reason for being famous/well-known
The main reason someone or something is famous or known.
Examples
- Her only claim to fame is that she once met a movie star.
- The town's claim to fame is its giant cheese festival.
claim to fame
2/klˈeɪm tə fˈeɪm/
idiom
reason someone is known
The main thing that makes a person, place, or thing special or well known.
Examples
- Her main claim to fame is that she once sang with a famous band.
- The town’s only claim to fame is its giant cheese festival.
- His claim to fame is designing the company’s first successful app.