enunciate
Americanverb (used with object)
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to utter or pronounce (words, sentences, etc.), especially in an articulate or a particular manner.
He enunciates his words distinctly.
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to state or declare definitely, as a theory.
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to announce or proclaim.
to enunciate one's intentions.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to articulate or pronounce (words), esp clearly and distinctly
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(tr) to state precisely or formally
Other Word Forms
- enunciability noun
- enunciable adjective
- enunciation noun
- enunciative adjective
- enunciatively adverb
- enunciator noun
- enunciatory adjective
- nonenunciative adjective
- nonenunciatory adjective
- reenunciate verb
- unenunciable adjective
- unenunciated adjective
- unenunciative adjective
Etymology
Origin of enunciate
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 )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Yassir spoke with cadence and clarity, enunciating all the syllables of “definitely,” a word he said quite often.
From Los Angeles Times
Stipe now enunciated his lyrics, which shaded into social commentary, while the arrangements drew from a palette that included string sections, mandolins and an increasing reliance on Mills’ textured keyboard parts.
From Los Angeles Times
Constitution, which enunciates the right to a “speedy and public trial” and to “be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation.”
From Salon
And I don’t enunciate and I can’t say half the words in the English language to this day.
From Los Angeles Times
Pressman replied, theatrically enunciating the words into my digital recorder.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
