enumerate
ih-NOO-muh-rayt
/ɪˈnjuːməreɪt/
To mention or count a number of things one by one.
Focuses on itemizing distinct units individually rather than giving a broad summary.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'enumeratus', past participle of 'enumerare', meaning to count up or pay out. It entered English in the 17th century to describe systematic counting.
Word relationships
- itemize: 'Itemize' often relates to lists or commercial bills, whereas 'enumerate' is used in academic and statistical contexts.
- list: 'List' is plain and informal; 'enumerate' emphasizes systematic counting.
- generalize: Generalize means summarizing rather than listing items individually.
Commonly confused with
- innervate: Enumerate means to count; innervate means to supply nerves to an organ.
Word family
- enumeration (noun): The act of counting or listing items one by one.
- enumerator (noun): A person employed to take a census.
Collocations
- enumerate items
- enumerate difficulties
- fully enumerate
Example sentences
- "Field workers were tasked to enumerate every household in the rural district." Data collection
- "The report proceeded to enumerate the specific factors driving urban growth." Formal report
Memory hook
E-NUMER-ate: to take NUMBERS out of a set one by one. Number them out.
When not to use
Do not use when presenting summarized or aggregated total figures.
Fun facts
- Census workers in many countries are officially called 'enumerators'.
Related words
Explore more words
enumeration, enunciate, catalog, delineate, describe, break down
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