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.
-
to state or declare definitely, as a theory.
-
to announce or proclaim.
to enunciate one's intentions.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to articulate or pronounce (words), esp clearly and distinctly
-
(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.
I repeat myself, enunciating each word as clearly as possible.
From Literature
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
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.
