Enumerate
/ɪˈnuːməˌreɪt/
verbB2
Definition
Enumerate means to name or mention things one after another in a clear order, often counting each item. It is used when you want to show or explain several points or objects step by step.
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See It in Action
To list or name things one by one
- •The lawyer enumerated the reasons why the contract was unfair.
- •She enumerated the steps needed to complete the project.
- •Please enumerate all the countries you have visited.
To count items clearly and in order
- •The teacher asked the students to enumerate the planets in the solar system.
- •The report enumerates the number of people affected by the storm.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "enumerate" like "list" (A1 word), but more formal and focused on counting or naming each item carefully
- ✓Picture a teacher pointing to items on a board, saying "First this, second this, third this," one by one
- ✓It's the feeling when you carefully say every part of something, so nothing is missed
- ✓Sounds like "in-NUM-erate" → imagine numbers being called out as you count things aloud
- ✓Think of a shopping list where you say each thing clearly so you don't forget any
- ✓NOT like "guess" (random or unclear), "enumerate" is exact and clear
- ✓NOT like "describe" (talk about details), "enumerate" is just naming or counting things
- ✓NOT like "count" alone (just numbers), "enumerate" also means listing the things themselves, not only their number
Try Other Words
- •List: to name or write items (Use when the order or counting is less important or informal)
- •Count: to find the number of items (Use when focusing only on the number, not naming)
- •Detail: to explain fully (Use when you want to give more information about each item)
- •Specify: to state clearly and exactly (Use when you want to be precise about items)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "e-" (out) + root "numer" (number) + suffix "-ate" (verb form)
- •Etymology: From Latin "enumerare," meaning "to count out" or "to number"
- •Historical development: Used since the 15th century in English, originally meaning to count or number things one by one
- •Modern usage: Common in formal speech or writing when listing or counting items carefully and clearly
Reflect & Connect
•How can enumerating details help you explain something more clearly in writing or speaking?
•When might it be better to list things simply instead of enumerating them carefully?
Fill in the blanks
1.When giving a speech, it is important to enumerate your main points so the audience can ___ them easily.
2.The teacher asked the students to enumerate the ___ of the story in order.
3.Unlike just counting, to enumerate means to ___ each item clearly by name or number.
4.In the report, the damages were enumerated ___ to show the full impact.
5.She enumerated the reasons ___ she could not attend the meeting.
6.When you enumerate, you usually use words like "first," "second," or numbers to ___ the items.
7.If you forget to enumerate all the parts, your explanation might seem ___ or incomplete.