Enunciate Meaning and Definition
Enunciate
Pronunciation
/ˌɛnjuˈseɪt/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To pronounce or articulate (words or sounds) distinctly and clearly.
Examples
- The teacher instructed her students to enunciate properly.
- The actor struggled to enunciate his lines during the performance.
Synonyms
- Pronounce
- Articulate
Antonyms
- Mumble
- Slur
Etymology
From Latin “enunciare”, meaning “to declare” or “to explain”, from “en-” (in) + “unciare” (to declare or explain).
Usage Notes
In spoken language, enunciation refers to the clear and distinct articulation of words and sounds, taking into account factors such as tone, inflection, and volume.
Cultural References
It is a common trope in comedy and satire to exaggerate poor enunciation, often used to convey a character’s incompetence or lack of sophistication.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Enunciation can also be used in idiomatic expressions such as “proper enunciation” or “good enunciation”, emphasizing the importance of clear and distinct communication.
Related Words or Phrases
Other related words and phrases include “articulate”, “pronounce”, “declamation”, and “eloquence”, all of which pertain to the clear and effective communication of ideas.
Collocations
Enunciation is often associated with words like “speech”, “language”, “pronunciation”, and “articulation”, as well as phrases like “clear as day” or “easy to hear”.
Frequency of Use
Enunciation is a common term in language and communication, used frequently in academic, professional, and everyday contexts.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings include “enunciata”, “enunicate”, and “enunciationy”, highlighting the importance of precise and accurate spelling and pronunciation.