enumerate

[ ih-noo-muh-reyt, ih-nyoo- ]

verb (used with object)

, e·nu·mer·at·ed, e·nu·mer·at·ing.

1. to mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in a list:

   Let me enumerate the many flaws in your hypothesis.

   Synonyms: recount, recapitulate

2. to ascertain the number of; count.

enumerate

/ ɪˈnjuːməˌreɪt /

verb

1. tr to mention separately or in order; name one by one; list
2. tr to determine the number of; count
3. to compile or enter (a name or names) in a voting list for an area

Derived Forms

• eˈnumerable, adjective
• eˌnumerˈation, noun
• eˈnumerative, adjective

Other Words From

• e·nu·mer·a·tive [ih-, noo, -m, uh, -rey-tiv, -mer-, uh, -, ih-, nyoo, -], adjective
• e·nu·mer·a·tor noun
• non·e·nu·mer·a·tive adjective
• pre·e·nu·mer·ate verb (used with object) preenumerated preenumerating
• re·e·nu·mer·ate verb (used with object) reenumerated reenumerating
• un·e·nu·mer·a·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enumerate¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin ēnumerātus “counted out,” past participle of ēnumerāre “to count out,” from ē- e- ¹( def ) + numer(us) number + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of enumerate¹

C17: from Latin ēnumerāre, from numerāre to count, reckon; see number

Example Sentences

He also enumerated his contributions to the Black community and rejected the idea that he is “hiding” to evade legal consequences.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s a journalistic quality to the movie, which delivers a readily digestible summary of Beckett’s life, with all the important moments neatly enumerated.

From Los Angeles Times

He mocked scholars whom he said, “whined about Congress’s enumerated responsibility to declare war,” saying that they had ‘failed to describe reality.’

From Salon

Then he did a spiel about proving naysayers wrong that climaxed with his enumerating how many People’s Choice Awards he’s won.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s difficult to know where to begin when trying to enumerate Trump’s determination to get away with unsavory and often illegal, deals aimed at enriching himself and his corrupt family business.

From Salon

Related Words

• calculate
• itemize
• recite
• specify
• spell out
• take account of

More About Enumerate

What does enumerate mean?

Enumerate means to name or list things one by one.

Enumerate is typically used as a more formal alternative to the verb list. It emphasizes the fact that things are being specifically identified and listed one at a time.

Less commonly, enumerate simply means to count. In Canada, it has a much more specific use: it means to enter names in an area’s voting list.

Example: I welcome constructive criticism, but you don’t have to enumerate every single one of my mistakes in front of the rest of the people at the meeting.

Where does enumerate come from?

The first records of enumerate come from the 1600s. It derives from the Latin verb ēnumerāre, which is based on the Latin numer(us), meaning “number.” (This root is also the basis of the word number.)

Enumerate implies a very deliberate listing of things, especially with the intention of specifying each one in order to emphasize them collectively. A politician might enumerate the ways their opponent failed to deliver on their promises. Your friend might enumerate all the reasons you should date their cousin. In both cases, the intention is for a list of specific things to be more memorable or impactful than a summary. Enumerate is essentially interchangeable with the verb list, but list might not imply the same level of deliberateness. (The phrasal verb list out is closer in meaning.)

Enumerate is also the name of a function in various programming languages and computer programs that involves managing elements in a set.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to enumerate?

• enumeration (noun)
• enumerable (adjective)
• enumerative (adjective)
• enumerator (noun)
• nonenumerated (adjective)
• nonenumerative (adjective)

What are some synonyms for enumerate?

• list out
• itemize
• list

What are some words that share a root or word element with enumerate? 

 

• number

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing enumerate?

• specify
• separate
• every
• every single one
• set
• element
• factor

 

What are some words enumerate may be commonly confused with?

 

• innumerable

 

How is enumerate used in real life?

Enumerate is a more formal way of saying list that emphasizes the specification of individual things. It’s often used in negative contexts, such as the listing of mistakes or flaws.

The point of documentation is to not enumerate every single feature, it's to help the user find what they need as quickly as possible

— Max Lynch (@maxlynch) December 15, 2016

Reminder, gentle readers, that disliking a book is absolutely your right. So is reviewing that book & saying what you want about it. But tagging an author in negative reviews or emailing them to enumerate all the ways you think their book is crap? Uncool. Plain & simple.

— Ashley Herring Blake (@ashleyhblake) April 2, 2020

An odd feeling to enumerate the ten plagues during the Seder and feel like you're teasing the 11 pm news

— Bill McKibben (@billmckibben) April 8, 2020

 

 

Try using enumerate!

Is enumerate used correctly in the following sentence?

In my family, the holidays end up being a time when everyone enumerates each other’s failures.