C2 adverb Formal

articulation

/ɑːˌtɪk.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/

Articulation refers to the act of expressing ideas or feelings clearly and effectively in speech or writing. It also denotes the physical state of being jointed or the specific way in which speech sounds are produced by the vocal organs.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Her articulation of the complex problem made it easy for the team to understand.

Her clear explanation of the difficult issue helped the team grasp it.

2

The diplomat's precise articulation of the treaty's terms prevented further conflict.

The official's exact phrasing of the agreement's conditions stopped more fighting.

3

You need better articulation if you want people to understand you over this loud music.

You need to speak more clearly if you want others to hear you in this noise.

Word Family

Noun
articulation
Verb
articulate
Adverb
articulately
Adjective
articulate
Related
articulator
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Memory Tip

Think of 'articles' in a chain or an 'article' of clothing; articulation is how different 'parts' are joined together to create a smooth whole.

Quick Quiz

The candidate's clear ___ of his policy goals won over the skeptical audience.

Correct!

The correct answer is: articulation

Examples

1

Her articulation of the complex problem made it easy for the team to understand.

everyday

Her clear explanation of the difficult issue helped the team grasp it.

2

The diplomat's precise articulation of the treaty's terms prevented further conflict.

formal

The official's exact phrasing of the agreement's conditions stopped more fighting.

3

You need better articulation if you want people to understand you over this loud music.

informal

You need to speak more clearly if you want others to hear you in this noise.

4

Phonetic articulation involves the movement of the tongue and lips to produce distinct speech sounds.

academic

The physical production of sounds requires moving the tongue and lips to make clear noises.

5

The CEO provided a brilliant articulation of the company's five-year strategic vision.

business

The leader gave an excellent description of the company's long-term plan.

Word Family

Noun
articulation
Verb
articulate
Adverb
articulately
Adjective
articulate
Related
articulator

Common Collocations

clear articulation distinct and understandable speech
precise articulation exact and accurate expression
articulation of ideas the process of explaining concepts
lack of articulation failure to express something clearly
joint articulation the connection between two bones

Common Phrases

articulation agreement

A formal agreement between colleges to transfer credits.

point of articulation

The specific place in the mouth where a sound is made.

manner of articulation

How the airflow is obstructed to produce a speech sound.

Often Confused With

articulation vs pronunciation

Pronunciation is how a word is supposed to sound; articulation is the physical clarity of making that sound or the clarity of an idea.

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Usage Notes

Use 'articulation' when discussing the clarity of speech or the clarity of a concept. In technical fields like anatomy or engineering, it refers to the joints or connections between parts.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'articulation' when they mean 'pronunciation' (how to say a word). Articulation is more about the physical mechanics or the overall clarity of the message.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'articles' in a chain or an 'article' of clothing; articulation is how different 'parts' are joined together to create a smooth whole.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'articulatio', from 'articulus', meaning 'a small joint' or 'a part'.

Grammar Patterns

Uncountable when referring to the general quality of speech. Countable when referring to specific physical joints. Often followed by the preposition 'of' (e.g., articulation of a plan).
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Cultural Context

In American higher education, 'articulation' is specifically used for the process of matching courses between different institutions.

Quick Quiz

The candidate's clear ___ of his policy goals won over the skeptical audience.

Correct!

The correct answer is: articulation

Related Words

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

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