enunciate
Definitions
To pronounce words clearly and distinctly.
清晰发音，吐字清楚。
To state a principle, theory, or idea clearly and formally.
明确表述（原则、理论或想法）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivede-/ex- (out) + nunci (announce) + -ate (verb) = 'to speak out.' The everyday sense is articulating words clearly, syllable by syllable; the formal sense is setting out a principle plainly. Both turn on bringing something out into clear, audible form.
Root nunci still carries 3 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.enunciate clearly清晰发音
- 2.enunciate each word咬清每个字
- 3.enunciate a principle阐明一项原则
Example Sentences
- 1.
The voice coach told her to enunciate every syllable.
- 2.
Speak slowly and enunciate so the audience can follow.
- 3.
The manifesto enunciates the party's core values.
Easily Confused
enunciate vs pronounce — pronounce is about making the correct sounds of a word (how do you pronounce this name?). enunciate is about making those sounds clearly and distinctly, with good articulation. You can pronounce a word correctly but still fail to enunciate it if you mumble.