enunciate
ih-NUN-see-ayt
/ɪˈnʌnsieɪt/
To pronounce words clearly and distinctly, or to state an idea systematically.
Focuses heavily on the precise physical mouth movements required to pronounce sounds clearly.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'enuntiare', from 'e-' (out) and 'nuntiare' (to announce). Originally meant to publicly declare news; over time it narrowed to mean pronouncing sounds clearly out loud.
Word relationships
- articulate: Articulate includes conceptual clarity, while enunciate stresses physical pronunciation.
- pronounce: Pronounce is neutral, whereas enunciate emphasizes extra care and distinctness.
- mumble: To speak indistinctly in a low voice.
- slur: To run words together indistinguishably.
Commonly confused with
- announce: Announce means to make a public statement; enunciate means to pronounce distinctly.
Word family
- enunciation (noun): The act of pronouncing words clearly.
Collocations
- enunciate clearly
- enunciate words
- enunciate principles
- carefully enunciate
Example sentences
- "The vocal instructor advised the stage actor to enunciate every syllable to reach the back row." Public speaking coaching
- "The government spokesperson took the podium to enunciate the new foreign policy principles." Policy declaration
Memory hook
A NUN on stage must ENUNCIATE every syllable clearly. Proclaiming each sound cleanly out loud.
When not to use
Do not use for informal chatter or quiet mumbling.
Fun facts
- Shares its root with 'announce', 'denounce', and 'renounce'.
Related words
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