enunciate

[ ih-nuhn-see-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, e·nun·ci·at·ed, e·nun·ci·at·ing.

1. to utter or pronounce (words, sentences, etc.), especially in an articulate or a particular manner:

   He enunciates his words distinctly.

2. to state or declare definitely, as a theory.
3. to announce or proclaim:

   to enunciate one's intentions.

verb (used without object)

, e·nun·ci·at·ed, e·nun·ci·at·ing.

1. to pronounce words, especially in an articulate or a particular manner.

enunciate

/ ɪˈnʌnsɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to articulate or pronounce (words), esp clearly and distinctly
2. tr to state precisely or formally

Derived Forms

• eˈnunciatively, adverb
• eˈnunciative, adjective
• eˌnunciˈation, noun
• eˈnunciˌator, noun

Other Words From

• e·nunci·a·ble adjective
• e·nunci·a·bili·ty noun
• e·nunci·ative e·nunci·a·tory adjective
• e·nunci·ative·ly adverb
• e·nunci·ator noun
• none·nunci·ative adjective
• none·nunci·a·tory adjective
• ree·nunci·ate verb reenunciated reenunciating
• une·nunci·a·ble adjective
• une·nunci·ated adjective
• une·nunci·ative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enunciate¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin ēnūntiātus (past participle of ēnūntiāre ), equivalent to ē- “from, out of” ( e- ¹ ) + nūnti(us) “messenger, message” + -ātus suffix ( -ate ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of enunciate¹

C17: from Latin ēnuntiāre to declare, from nuntiāre to announce, from nuntius messenger

Example Sentences

Voice games often misunderstand users, particularly kids who are just learning how to enunciate and interact with technology.

From MIT Technology Review

Generally, when rights are expanded — even beyond what other states do — you should enunciate a clear reason as to why you might later rein them in.

From Washington Post

A woman known for her mastery of languages now struggled to enunciate each syllable.

From Washington Post

Brems said she is using a clear mask her district provided, and she has become accustomed to gesturing, enunciating and projecting her voice more than usual.

From ProPublica

And it seems to me that I never go to bed without seeing a face on the dark trying to enunciate: 'What for?'

From Project Gutenberg

They do not enunciate a new truth, but they insist upon one which is not sufficiently recognised.

From Project Gutenberg

"I—I do not know," said Marishka painfully struggling to make her lips enunciate.

From Project Gutenberg

She is taught to enunciate clearly and to speak courteously and agreeably.

From Project Gutenberg

The pianist must likewise make himself understood; he therefore must enunciate clearly.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• affirm
• articulate
• intone
• lay down
• outline
• propound
• utter