What does enunciate mean?
Word: Enunciate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: Enunciate means to say or pronounce words clearly; also, to express an idea or plan clearly and carefully.
Synonyms: pronounce, voice, state
Antonyms: mumble, mutter
Word origin: Comes from Latin enuntiare, to announce or declare, from e (out) and nuntiare (to announce), from nuntius, a messenger.
How do you spell enunciate?
Syllables: e - nun - ci - ate
Tricky part: Announce and pronounce have ou, but this word has no o at all; enounciate is the usual slip.
Watch out for: enounciate, enouncate
Memory tip: Pronunciation also drops the o of pronounce, and both words are about speaking clearly.
Enunciate in a sentence
Example 1: The newsreader enunciates every word so that viewers can follow easily.
Example 2: Please enunciate the last syllable when you spell the word aloud.
Example 3: In her speech the principal enunciated three clear goals for the new term.
Fun Fact
Announce and pronounce come from the same Latin verb nuntiare; a papal ambassador is still called a nuncio, from nuntius, a messenger.
Practise the CREST Way
Spell Spies
Choose the incorrectly spelt word:
a) abbreviate
b) annihilate
c) appreciate
d) ennunciate
Show answer
d) ennunciate. Annihilate, abbreviate and appreciate really do double their consonants, but this word opens with a single n.
Jumble Tumble
What is the meaning of the word that can be formed from the given letters?
tauenicen
a) to criticise someone in public
b) to speak so that every sound can be heard
c) to make something smaller
d) to give up a title or belief
Show answer
b) to speak so that every sound can be heard. The letters spell enunciate, which is about clear speech.
Word Tally
How many words are misspelt in the sentence?
Our drama teacher made us enunciate every line twice, so that even the audiance in the last row of the hall could here us.
a) 3
b) 4
c) 1
d) 2
Show answer
d) 2. Audience is spelt with ience, and here should be hear; enunciate is right.
Word Puzzle
Match each word with its synonym:
1. enunciate 2. scrutinise 3. abandon a. examine b. articulate c. desert
a) 1-a, 2-b, 3-c
b) 1-b, 2-c, 3-a
c) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c
d) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b
Show answer
c) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c. To enunciate is to articulate, to scrutinise is to examine, and to abandon is to desert.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A singer who enunciates well
a) sings without music
b) sings the words clearly
c) sings very loudly
d) sings only high notes
Show answer
b) sings the words clearly
2. A speech coach asks you to enunciate. You should
a) say each word clearly
b) speak as fast as you can
c) whisper the whole speech
d) read out only the headings
Show answer
a) say each word clearly
