enunciation

/ɪˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃn/ (ame, ipa)

enunciation — noun

  • enunciationsingular
  • enunciationsplural

1. the careful, clear way of saying words so that each sound and syllable can be he

1.名詞C1
釋義

the careful, clear way of saying words so that each sound and syllable can be heard easily.

例句

Christopher slowed his speech and improved his enunciation before the stage audition.

collocation: improve your enunciation

Linh's enunciation was so crisp that even the back row caught every joke.

clear enunciation in performance

同義詞
  • diction

    broader; can also refer to word choice, not only speech clarity

  • articulation

    more technical; focuses on how mouth movements shape sounds

  • pronunciation

    everyday word for how words are said, without the strong focus on crisp delivery

反義詞
  • mumbling

    unclear speech that hides sounds and syllables

文法句型

clear/careful enunciation

improve your enunciation

用法筆記

Often discussed in acting, broadcasting, teaching, and speech training. Distinguish from pronunciation: pronunciation is about which sounds a word has, while enunciation emphasizes how clearly a speaker delivers those sounds.

常見錯誤

❌The actor needs better pronunciation so the last row can hear each consonant.
✅The actor needs better enunciation so the last row can hear each consonant.
💡pronunciation is about the sound form of a word; enunciation is about saying those sounds clearly.

2. the clear, deliberate stating of an idea, rule, or plan so people understand it

2.名詞C1
釋義

the clear, deliberate stating of an idea, rule, or plan so people understand it exactly.

例句

The minister's enunciation of the new safety rules ended the confusion.

pattern: enunciation of + rules

In her opening slide, Kemi gave a brief enunciation of the project's main goal.

formal use with ideas and plans

同義詞
  • statement

    broader and more common; can be less careful or systematic

  • formulation

    stresses shaping an idea into exact words

  • articulation

    common in formal writing when an idea is expressed clearly

反義詞

文法句型

enunciation of + idea/rule/principle

clear enunciation of + plan

用法筆記

Usually appears in formal writing about policies, principles, or arguments. Unlike sense 1, this sense is not about speech sounds; it is about making an idea explicit and easy to understand.

常見錯誤

❌The manager's enunciation about the plan was helpful.
✅The manager's enunciation of the plan was helpful.
💡this sense normally takes 'of' before the idea or plan being stated.