enunciation

American  

[ih-nuhn-see-ey-shuhn] / ɪˌnʌn siˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an act or manner of enunciating.

2. utterance or pronunciation.

3. a formal announcement or statement.

   the enunciation of a doctrine.

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Other Word Forms

• nonenunciation
  noun
• reenunciation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of enunciation

First recorded in 1545–55, enunciation is from the Latin word ēnūntiātiōn- (stem of ēnūntiātiō ). See enunciate, -ion

Explanation

Enunciation is the act of pronouncing words. Make sure your enunciation is clear when ordering in a restaurant so you don’t get roasted lamb when you really wanted toast with jam. Enunciation is from the Latin word enuntiationem, meaning “declaration.” Enunciation is more than pronouncing words clearly; it’s expressing them well, too. No one would mutter a declaration! People with excellent enunciation (also known as diction) are likely to end up broadcasters, announcers, actors, or in other jobs that require public speaking. Politicians need to have good enunciation. People who mumble or speak too quickly have poor enunciation: it's hard to understand them, because their words slur together.

Example Sentences

Enunciation and precision are the name of the game, not emotion or commitment.

From Slate • Sep. 17, 2020

Enunciation, belonging to elocution, is the act of forming those authorized sounds into finished speech.

From Public Speaking by Winter, Irvah Lester

Enunciation Correct enunciation is the complete utterance of all the sounds of a syllable or a word.

From The Art of Public Speaking by Carnagey, Dale

Enunciation of God's invitations, and promises in God's own words, as in the Common Prayer Book, much better.

From Coleridge's Literary Remains, Volume 4. by Coleridge, Samuel Taylor

Enunciation depends to a great degree upon pronunciation.

From Public Speaking by Stratton, Clarence