enunciate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enunciate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of pronouncing words clearly and distinctly. Example: "In order to be understood, it is important to enunciate your words during the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His head was stuffed with books and beautiful polysyllabic words which, later, he would enunciate very slowly, as if chewing some favourite candy.

The Economist

They tried hard to get workers in Bombay and Bangalore to enunciate their vowels just so.

The Economist

One quirk of these systems is that they require speakers to enunciate punctuation and other typographical manoeuvres.

The Economist

Perhaps its readers have more to lose see second chart).Criminologists say that fear of crime often acts as a psychological sponge absorbing other anxieties that are hard to enunciate, such as concern over rapid social change, immigration, deteriorating values, fraying communities and so forth.

The Economist

(The same was true last week for Labour, he suspects).In this section David Cameron's big embrace The interpreter There may be trouble ahead Not dead yet First runners-up Pollderdash Thistles and thorns Letting daylight in upon magic For the loser, the scraps ReprintsFor floating voters, the party failed to enunciate a clear message.

The Economist

Mr Blair is the first prime minister since the second world war to enunciate a detailed philosophy of British power in the modern world.

The Economist

He was sought after to design imposing monuments for the new and modern Rome that were to enunciate architecturally the city's position as a world centre.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These differences also explain why it is all but impossible to enunciate a distinct theology of the movement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The leading scientific pharmacist of his time in Germany, he improved many analytical processes and was one of the first to enunciate the doctrine of the conservation of energy (1837).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such instruments particularly when they enunciate principles of great and solemn importance may nevertheless create strong expectations about authority and control.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Proudhon was not the first to enunciate the doctrine that is now called anarchism; before he claimed it, it had already been sketched out by, among others, the English philosopher William Godwin in prose and his follower Percy Bysshe Shelley in verse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context: in formal settings or when speaking to non-native speakers, clear enunciation is especially important.

Common error

Don't let your speech become muddled by neglecting to "enunciate". Mumbling or slurring can obscure your message, diminishing its impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "enunciate" is as a verb. It signifies the act of uttering words or expressing ideas in a clear and distinct manner. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from improving speech clarity to formally stating principles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academic & Scientific

7%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enunciate" functions primarily as a verb emphasizing clear and distinct communication, suitable for neutral to formal contexts. As Ludwig illustrates, it appears frequently in news and media sources, highlighting its relevance in formal discourse. The importance of clear enunciation is further underscored by practical writing guidance aimed at preventing mumbling and promoting precise articulation. When clarity and precision matter, remember to "enunciate" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

articulate clearly

Emphasizes clarity in speaking, similar to "enunciate" but focuses more on the manner of articulation.

enounce precisely

Stresses the precision and accuracy in pronunciation, closely related to "enunciate" in meaning.

utter distinctly

Focuses on the act of uttering words in a clear manner, similar to "enunciate" in its emphasis on pronunciation.

pronounce distinctly

Highlights the clarity of pronunciation, akin to "enunciate" but specifically about how words are sounded.

vocalize clearly

Highlights the act of using one's voice to produce understandable sounds, comparable to "enunciate" but with a broader scope.

speak clearly

A more general term for clear communication; "enunciate" is more specific to pronunciation.

express distinctly

Shifts focus to clarity of expression, broadening the scope beyond just spoken words.

deliver clearly

Places emphasis on the act of presenting information in a clear and easily understandable way.

set forth clearly

Highlights the clear presentation of information or ideas, broadening the context beyond just spoken words.

state explicitly

Emphasizes making a statement clear and direct, applicable to both speech and writing.

FAQs

How can I improve my ability to "enunciate" clearly?

Practice speaking slowly and deliberately, paying attention to the formation of each word. Record yourself speaking and listen back to identify areas for improvement. Tongue twisters can also help enhance articulation.

What does it mean to "enunciate" a policy or belief?

In this context, "enunciate" means to express or state a policy or belief clearly and systematically. It goes beyond simply mentioning it; it involves articulating it in a well-defined manner.

What are some synonyms for "enunciate" when referring to speech?

You can use synonyms like "articulate clearly", "pronounce distinctly", or "speak clearly" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to "enunciate" perfectly?

While clear enunciation is generally desirable, the level of precision needed depends on the context. In formal presentations or when communicating complex information, it's crucial. In casual conversation, a more relaxed style may be acceptable.