enunciate

[ih-nuhn-see-eyt]

verb (used with object)

enunciated, enunciating 

1. to utter or pronounce (words, sentences, etc.), especially in an articulate or a particular manner.

   He enunciates his words distinctly.

2. to state or declare definitely, as a theory.

3. to announce or proclaim.

   to enunciate one's intentions.

verb (used without object)

enunciated, enunciating 

1. to pronounce words, especially in an articulate or a particular manner.

enunciate

/ ɪˈnʌnsɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to articulate or pronounce (words), esp clearly and distinctly

2. (tr) to state precisely or formally

Other Word Forms

• enunciatively adverb
• enunciative adjective
• enunciation noun
• enunciator noun
• enunciable adjective
• enunciability noun
• enunciatory adjective
• nonenunciative adjective
• nonenunciatory adjective
• reenunciate verb
• unenunciable adjective
• unenunciated adjective
• unenunciative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enunciate¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of enunciate¹

C17: from Latin ēnuntiāre to declare, from nuntiāre to announce, from nuntius messenger

Example Sentences

Yassir spoke with cadence and clarity, enunciating all the syllables of “definitely,” a word he said quite often.

From Los Angeles Times

“I don’t have any idea of her qualifications on education, and I’ve not heard her enunciate a vision that gives me much confidence that it’s anything other than payback for political support,” he said.

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

Related Words

• affirm 
• articulate 
• intone 
• lay down 
• outline 
• propound 
• utter