enunciate

/ɪˈnʌnsieɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˈnʌnsieɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ē-ˈnən(t)-sē-ˌāt/ (ame, mw)

enunciate — verb

  • enunciatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • enunciateshe / she / it
  • enunciatedpast simple
  • enunciating-ing form

1. to say words or speech sounds in a very clear, separate way so other people can

1.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to say words or speech sounds in a very clear, separate way so other people can hear each part

例句

The drama coach told Darius to enunciate every last sound on stage.

pattern: enunciate + sound

Kabir slowed down and enunciated each street name for the tourists.

同義詞
  • pronounce

    more general; it can focus on the correct form of one word without stressing clear separation of every sound

  • articulate

    often emphasizes speaking distinctly and can also describe expressing ideas clearly

  • say

    much broader and less specific about the quality of the speech sounds

反義詞
  • mumble

    to speak so unclearly that listeners cannot catch the words well

  • slur

    to run sounds together instead of keeping them separate

文法句型

enunciate + word/name/sound

enunciate + adverb

enunciate clearly

用法筆記

Often used when someone is speaking for teaching, acting, broadcasting, or language practice. It can describe a general speaking style ('She enunciates well') or a specific word or sound.

常見錯誤

❌Please pronounce more clear.
✅Please enunciate more clearly.
💡'enunciate' stresses speaking each part distinctly, not just saying the word.
❌He enunciated the answer fast and nobody understood him.
✅He pronounced the answer fast and nobody understood him.
💡'enunciate' usually suggests careful clarity, so it clashes with unclear hurried speech.

2. to state an idea, rule, or belief carefully and in formal language so it is full

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to state an idea, rule, or belief carefully and in formal language so it is fully clear

例句

At the launch meeting, Mira enunciated the team's safety rule in one sentence.

pattern: enunciate + rule

The judge enunciated her reasons for the decision before lunch.

同義詞
  • state

    the closest general verb, but less formal and less deliberate in tone

  • declare

    often sounds more public or official than 'enunciate'

  • formulate

    focuses on shaping an idea precisely, often before it is spoken or written out

反義詞
  • conceal

    to keep an idea or intention hidden instead of making it explicit

  • withhold

    to choose not to state information or reasons

文法句型

enunciate + idea/principle/rule

enunciate + reasons

enunciate + that-clause

用法筆記

Common in formal speaking or writing about principles, opinions, or official reasons. Distinguish from sense 1 (SAY CLEARLY): this sense is about making an idea explicit, not about how the sounds are spoken.

常見錯誤

❌She enunciated hello to the visitor.
✅She said hello to the visitor.
💡This sense is used for ideas, rules, or reasons, not ordinary greetings.
❌The teacher enunciated the sentence slowly.
✅The teacher enunciated the principle slowly.
💡When the object is a sentence for pronunciation practice, sense 1 is more natural.