articulate
/ɑːˈtɪk.jə.lət/ (bre, ipa) · /ɑːrˈtɪk.jə.lət/ (ame, ipa) · /är-ˈti-kyə-lət/ (ame, mw) · /ɑːˈtɪkjuleɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ɑːrˈtɪkjuleɪt/ (ame, ipa)
articulate — adjective
1. describes someone who can put their thoughts and feelings into words in a way th
describes someone who can put their thoughts and feelings into words in a way that is easy for other people to follow.
Hadiya is the most articulate student in our debate club, and judges often praise her arguments.
predicative use: be articulate
We need an articulate spokesperson who can answer hard questions from reporters.
attributive: articulate + person noun
Even at six years old, little Eitan was unusually articulate about his feelings.
The teacher praised Mira for her clear, articulate answer to a difficult question.
Many shy children grow into articulate adults once they gain confidence.
- eloquent
stronger; suggests moving, persuasive speech rather than just clarity
- well-spoken
more about polish and accent than the depth of ideas expressed
- fluent
more about smoothness of speech, often in a foreign language
- inarticulate
unable to find the right words
- tongue-tied
informal; struck silent in the moment
用法筆記
Often used as a compliment about a person's communication skills, especially in formal or professional settings. Frequently followed by 'about' + topic when describing what someone can explain well.
常見錯誤
articulate — verb
1. to find the right words for something you think or feel and say or write it so o
to find the right words for something you think or feel and say or write it so other people can understand it.
Wren struggled to articulate why he wanted to leave such a well-paid job.
articulate + wh-clause (why/what/how)
The mayor articulated a clear vision for the city's next ten years.
articulate + vision/plan/idea
Many parents find it hard to articulate their fears about raising teenagers.
In her essay, Mira articulated the worries of a whole generation.
The team leader articulated the new goals to every staff member personally.
- suppress
to keep feelings or thoughts hidden
文法句型
articulate something
articulate something to somebody
用法筆記
More formal than 'say' or 'explain'. Object is usually an abstract noun like 'vision', 'concerns', 'feelings', 'reasons', or a wh-clause. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense is about choosing the right words for an idea, not about pronouncing sounds clearly.
常見錯誤
2. to shape sounds, words, or musical notes carefully with the mouth or instrument
to shape sounds, words, or musical notes carefully with the mouth or instrument so each one can be heard separately.
Dr. Dilnoza asked the patient to articulate each vowel slowly after the stroke.
articulate + vowels/syllables (speech therapy)
Good news readers articulate every syllable so listeners at home catch each word.
articulate + every syllable / each word
The young pianist articulated the fast passage with surprising precision.
Try to articulate more clearly when you leave a voicemail for elderly relatives.
Stage actors are trained to articulate so the audience in the back row hears them.
文法句型
articulate something
用法筆記
Focuses on the physical act of producing clear sounds, not on choosing words. Common in speech therapy, drama coaching, and music. Can be intransitive ('articulate clearly') or transitive ('articulate the consonants').
常見錯誤
3. in anatomy or engineering, to link two parts (especially bones) with a joint tha
in anatomy or engineering, to link two parts (especially bones) with a joint that allows them to move against each other, or to be linked in this way.
The thigh bone articulates with the hip at a strong ball-and-socket joint.
intransitive: X articulates with Y (anatomy)
The museum's staff carefully articulated the dinosaur's tail bones for the new display.
transitive: articulate + bones
In the human jaw, the lower bone articulates with the skull just in front of each ear.
Engineers articulated the long trailer in two sections so it could turn sharp corners.
Crab legs articulate at several points, which is why they bend so easily.
文法句型
articulate with something
articulate something
用法筆記
Specialist term used mainly in anatomy, zoology, and mechanical engineering. Subject is usually a body part, bone, or mechanical part. The intransitive form normally takes 'with' to name the other part.