enumerate

American  

[ih-noo-muh-reyt, ih-nyoo-] / ɪˈnu məˌreɪt, ɪˈnyu- /

verb (used with object)

enumerated, enumerating

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.

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enumerate British  

/ 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

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• enumerable
  adjective
• enumeration
  noun
• enumerative
  adjective
• enumerator
  noun
• nonenumerative
  adjective
• preenumerate
  verb (used with object)
• reenumerate
  verb (used with object)
• unenumerative
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of enumerate

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

Explanation

To enumerate is to list or count off one by one. Before you ask for a raise, you'd better be able to enumerate all the reasons why you deserve more money. Tally, total, add up, compute — however you put it, enumerate is basically just another way to say "count." As in, "How do I love thee? Let me enumerate the ways." This verb came about in the 1610’s as a variation on the Latin enumerates, which means “to reckon up or count over.” To quote Paul Valery, the French critic, essayist, and poet, “Science is feasible when the variables are few and can be enumerated; when their combinations are distinct and clear."

Example Sentences

Enumerate the services rendered to the soil by humus.

From Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Nature Study by Ontario. Ministry of Education

Enumerate the cases in which the truth or falsity of one proposition may be formally inferred from the truth or falsity of another.

From Logic Deductive and Inductive by Read, Carveth

Enumerate the different agencies through which the brain and spinal cord are protected.

From Physiology and Hygiene for Secondary Schools by Walters, Francis M.

Enumerate the principal circumstances which affect the rate of exchange between two countries.

From Principles Of Political Economy Abridged with Critical, Bibliographical, and Explanatory Notes, and a Sketch of the History of Political Economy by Mill, John Stuart

Enumerate Hamilton's great measures and explain each in detail.

From History of the United States by Beard, Charles A. (Charles Austin)

Related Words

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