enumerate

[ ih-noo-muh-reyt, ih-nyoo- ]
/ ɪˈnu məˌreɪt, ɪˈnyu- /

verb (used with object), e·nu·mer·at·ed, e·nu·mer·at·ing.

to mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in a list: Let me enumerate the many flaws in your hypothesis.
to ascertain the number of; count.

Origin of enumerate

1640–50; < Latin ēnumerātus (past participle of ēnumerāre), equivalent to ē- e-1 + numer(us) number + -ātus -ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM enumerate

VOCAB BUILDER

What does enumerate mean?

Enumerate means to name or list things one by one.

Enumerate is typically used as a more formal alternative to the verb list. It emphasizes the fact that things are being specifically identified and listed one at a time.

Less commonly, enumerate simply means to count. In Canada, it has a much more specific use: it means to enter names in an area’s voting list.

Example: I welcome constructive criticism, but you don’t have to enumerate every single one of my mistakes in front of the rest of the people at the meeting.

Where does enumerate come from?

The first records of enumerate come from the 1600s. It derives from the Latin verb ēnumerāre, which is based on the Latin numer(us), meaning “number.” (This root is also the basis of the word number.)

Enumerate implies a very deliberate listing of things, especially with the intention of specifying each one in order to emphasize them collectively. A politician might enumerate the ways their opponent failed to deliver on their promises. Your friend might enumerate all the reasons you should date their cousin. In both cases, the intention is for a list of specific things to be more memorable or impactful than a summary. Enumerate is essentially interchangeable with the verb list, but list might not imply the same level of deliberateness. (The phrasal verb list out is closer in meaning.)

Enumerate is also the name of a function in various programming languages and computer programs that involves managing elements in a set.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to enumerate?

  • enumeration (noun)
  • enumerable (adjective)
  • enumerative (adjective)
  • enumerator (noun)
  • nonenumerated (adjective)
  • nonenumerative (adjective)

What are some synonyms for enumerate?

What are some words that share a root or word element with enumerate

 

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing enumerate?

 

What are some words enumerate may be commonly confused with?

 

 

How is enumerate used in real life?

Enumerate is a more formal way of saying list that emphasizes the specification of individual things. It’s often used in negative contexts, such as the listing of mistakes or flaws.

 

 

Try using enumerate!

Is enumerate used correctly in the following sentence?

In my family, the holidays end up being a time when everyone enumerates each other’s failures.

Example sentences from the Web for enumerate

British Dictionary definitions for enumerate

enumerate
/ (ɪˈnjuːməˌreɪt) /

verb

(tr) to mention separately or in order; name one by one; list
(tr) to determine the number of; count
Canadian to compile or enter (a name or names) in a voting list for an area

Derived forms of enumerate

enumerable, adjective enumeration, noun enumerative, adjective

Word Origin for enumerate

C17: from Latin ēnumerāre, from numerāre to count, reckon; see number