enunciation
Meaning
the act of pronouncing words clearly and distinctly.
a clear and distinct articulation of speech sounds.
a formal or public statement of a policy, belief, or intention.
Structure
Usage
the actor's precise enunciation made every word audible in the large theater.
clear enunciation is crucial for effective communication, especially over the telephone.
the document served as an enunciation of the company's core values and ethical principles.
Etymology
the word 'enunciation' originates from the latin verb 'enuntiare', meaning 'to declare, announce, or express'. this verb itself is composed of the prefix 'e-' (a variant of 'ex-', meaning 'out') and the root 'nuntiare' (to announce, from 'nuntius', a messenger). the core concept is that of bringing a message out into the open through speech. the suffix '-ation' was added in english to form a noun describing the act or result. thus, the literal sense of "the act of speaking out" evolved into the modern meanings of clear, distinct pronunciation and the formal declaration of ideas.
Analysis
e- (latin, prefix meaning 'out'), nunci (latin, root meaning 'to announce, declare'), -ation (latin, noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process).