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to articulate

to articulate

45 4.4
To pronounce words clearly so others understand
  • verb
  • /ɑrˈtɪkjʊlɪt/
translation icon : articular
  • In her speech, she managed to articulate her vision for the future clearly and confidently.
  • articulate clearly
  • help to articulate
  • able to articulate

I think you have to figure out how to articulate what your dreams are.

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Examples

  • It came from being able to properly articulate my words.

  • The Fiesta Cycle parallels this plural vision, articulating many cultures rather than emphasizing only one.

    Academic text (1991)
  • I think you have to figure out how to articulate what your dreams are.

  • Like to hear a young man articulate that statement.

  • I, I, it's, it's so difficult for me to articulate this in a clear way.

  • Help students identify and articulate clear and focused goals that they can set as new practitioners.

    Academic text (2008)
  • I think the question becomes, can you articulate why you're a better option?

  • People don't invest enough time into articulating the things that matter to them.

  • Nearly three-fourths of the participants believed that a well-articulated philosophy would improve their effectiveness as teachers.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Furthermore, all teachers articulated the importance of analytic writing as a component of instruction.

    Academic text (2013)

Synonyms

to say
vsto articulate
1.0

Speak words to show information or feelings

is more specific about clarity and careful pronunciation than mere stating
to pronounce
vsto articulate
204 1.0

To say a word or sound in a certain way

stresses clear expression of ideas as well as correct sounds
to speak clearly
vsto articulate
7 1.0

Say words so other people can easily understand you

adds careful word choice and precise sounds beyond voice clarity
to enunciate
vsto articulate
6 5.8

To pronounce words clearly so people understand

also focuses on expressing ideas clearly, not only precise sounds
to sound out
vsto articulate
1 2.8

Say the letters and syllables of a word to help you read and spell it

focuses on clear whole-word speech and idea expression, not letter practice
to pronounce correctly
vsto articulate
1 2.8

Say words in the correct way so people understand you

covers clear meaning and fluent delivery beyond sound accuracy
to elocute
vsto articulate
  • Archaic
1 9.9

To speak or read aloud with a clear voice and feeling

is used more broadly, not limited to practiced or performative speech
to annunciate
vsto articulate
  • Formal
1 8.0

To say something clearly and formally so others know

is more about everyday clear speaking and exact word sounds
to enounce
vsto articulate
9.9

To pronounce words or syllables clearly

leans more toward general clear expression than a speaking style

Antonyms

103 4.9

To speak in a low, unclear voice that is hard to understand

3 6.3

To speak so the words run together and are hard to understand

How Clear

to articulate
45 4.4
to pronounce
204 1.0
to speak
  • Literature
569 6.5
to mumble
103 4.9

Surface Forms

articulate infinitive
articulated past participle
articulating present participle
articulates third person singular

Morphology

articulate = articul + ate

The verb sense 'pronounce distinctly' derives from a Latin stem rather than a productive English base, so learners cannot reliably infer the meaning from the parts.

Etymology

Articulate comes from the Latin word articulus, which means 'small joint' or 'part'. A helpful image is to see each sound as a little joint you move one by one; when you move them clearly, you pronounce words well, so to articulate is to say words distinctly.