C1 verb Neutral

articulate

/ɑːrˈtɪkjuleɪt/

To express thoughts, feelings, or ideas clearly and effectively in speech or writing. It involves the ability to put complex concepts into coherent words so that others can understand them easily.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I find it hard to articulate exactly why I'm so upset right now.

I find it difficult to explain clearly the specific reason I am feeling sad at this moment.

2

The candidate was unable to articulate a coherent policy on climate change during the debate.

The person running for office could not clearly state a logical plan regarding the environment during the discussion.

3

Dude, you need to articulate what you want instead of just pointing!

Friend, you should say clearly what you desire rather than just using your finger to show me.

Word Family

Noun
articulation
Verb
articulate
Adverb
articulately
Adjective
articulate
Related
articulator
💡

Memory Tip

Think of an 'articulated' bus or a joint. Just as these are separate parts connected to move smoothly, 'articulating' is about connecting your separate thoughts into a smooth, flowing sentence.

Quick Quiz

Even though she was nervous, she was able to ________ her concerns to the board of directors very effectively.

Correct!

The correct answer is: articulate

Examples

1

I find it hard to articulate exactly why I'm so upset right now.

everyday

I find it difficult to explain clearly the specific reason I am feeling sad at this moment.

2

The candidate was unable to articulate a coherent policy on climate change during the debate.

formal

The person running for office could not clearly state a logical plan regarding the environment during the discussion.

3

Dude, you need to articulate what you want instead of just pointing!

informal

Friend, you should say clearly what you desire rather than just using your finger to show me.

4

The research paper fails to articulate the methodology used to collect the data.

academic

The academic document does not clearly explain the system used for gathering information.

5

Our manager is excellent at articulating the company's long-term goals to new employees.

business

The supervisor is very good at clearly describing the firm's future objectives to the staff members.

Word Family

Noun
articulation
Verb
articulate
Adverb
articulately
Adjective
articulate
Related
articulator

Common Collocations

articulate a vision to clearly describe a plan for the future
struggle to articulate to have difficulty expressing thoughts in words
articulate clearly to speak or explain in a very understandable way
articulate a position to clearly state one's opinion or stance on an issue
articulate thoughts to put internal ideas into spoken or written words

Common Phrases

well-articulated

presented or explained in a very clear and organized way

articulate the difference

to clearly explain how two things are distinct

fully articulate

to express something in its entirety and with great detail

Often Confused With

articulate vs enunciate

Enunciate refers specifically to the clear pronunciation of sounds and syllables, whereas articulate refers to the clear expression of ideas and thoughts.

📝

Usage Notes

As a verb, the final syllable is pronounced with a long 'a' sound (/eɪt/). It is most frequently used when discussing the communication of complex or abstract ideas rather than simple facts.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the verb form with the adjective pronunciation (/ət/). Additionally, learners may use it interchangeably with 'say', but 'articulate' implies a level of precision and clarity that 'say' does not.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of an 'articulated' bus or a joint. Just as these are separate parts connected to move smoothly, 'articulating' is about connecting your separate thoughts into a smooth, flowing sentence.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'articulatus', meaning 'jointed' or 'divided into distinct parts'.

Grammar Patterns

Transitive verb (requires an object: articulate something) Can be followed by a 'that' clause Regular verb conjugation: articulated, articulating
🌍

Cultural Context

In Western professional and academic settings, the ability to articulate one's own ideas is considered a crucial leadership trait and a sign of high emotional intelligence.

Quick Quiz

Even though she was nervous, she was able to ________ her concerns to the board of directors very effectively.

Correct!

The correct answer is: articulate

Related Words

overhospence

C1

Describing a quality of being excessively or intrusively hospitable to the point of making a guest feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable. It implies that the host's efforts to be welcoming have crossed a boundary into being burdensome or stifling.

excelership

C1

Describing a state of superior leadership and technical mastery, particularly within a corporate or organizational structure. It characterizes individuals or actions that demonstrate both exceptional performance and the ability to guide others toward high-level goals.

homosophful

C1

Describing a state of possessing shared wisdom or having a mindset that aligns with universal human understanding. It is often used to characterize individuals or groups that exhibit profound, common-sense insight or an intellectual harmony with their community.

abphotoion

C1

To remove or displace an ion from a molecular structure using concentrated light energy or radiation. It is a specialized term used in advanced physics and chemical engineering to describe the precise detachment of particles via photon interaction.

undertrudless

C1

To execute a series of tasks or navigate a complex system with a complete absence of resistance or friction. It implies bypassing the usual 'trudge' or difficulty associated with a process, often in a mechanical or systematic way.

prodentation

C1

Characterized by the forward projection or protrusion of teeth or tooth-like structures. It is a specialized term used primarily in anatomical, biological, or technical descriptions to indicate a feature that juts outward.

regratine

C1

Regratine refers to the historical trade practice of purchasing commodities, particularly food, at a market and reselling them in the same or a nearby market at an inflated price. It was traditionally considered a form of unethical profiteering or price manipulation in medieval and early modern economic systems.

prehabment

C1

The process of engaging in physical conditioning and strengthening exercises prior to a surgical procedure or a period of intense physical exertion. It is used to improve physiological resilience, reduce the risk of injury, and accelerate the subsequent recovery process.

anteregess

C1

A specialized term used primarily in academic and logical testing contexts to describe a preliminary stage of advancement or a forward-moving phase that precedes a primary event. It represents an initial step in a sequence that establishes the necessary conditions for further progress.

inclarive

C1

A noun referring to a rhetorical or logical construct that is intentionally broad yet lacks specific detail, often used to encompass various possibilities without committing to one. It describes a state where inclusion is prioritized over precision, leading to a calculated ambiguity.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free