C1verb2K

Articulate

UK /["/ɑːˈtɪkjuleɪt/","/ɑːˈtɪkjuleɪts/","/ɑːˈtɪkjuleɪtɪd/","/ɑːˈtɪkjuleɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɑːrˈtɪkjuleɪt/","/ɑːrˈtɪkjuleɪts/","/ɑːrˈtɪkjuleɪtɪd/","/ɑːrˈtɪkjuleɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to express or explain your thoughts or feelings clearly in words

In simple words: To express something clearly and effectively.

Examples

  • She struggled to articulate her thoughts.
  • It is the school’s duty to articulate its practices to parents.
  • He cannot articulate his feelings very well.
  • You need to articulate clearly what you are trying to achieve.
  • He was too weak to articulate properly.
  • Every note was carefully articulated.
  • She spoke slowly, articulating each word clearly.
  • These courses are designed to articulate with university degrees.
  • bones that articulate with others
  • a robot with articulated limbs

Usage notes

Use 'articulate' when talking about speaking or writing clearly. It's appropriate in both formal and informal settings. Avoid using it in very casual conversations where simpler terms might fit better.

Grammar pattern

articulate + object

Memory hint

Articulate sounds like 'articulated', imagine a clear sculpture that speaks to you.

Collocations

  • clearly
  • well
  • explicitly
  • carefully
  • clearly
  • well

Synonyms

  • express
  • enunciate
  • communicate
  • state
  • convey

Antonyms

  • inarticulate
  • mumbling
  • unclear
  • vague

Common mistakes

  • 'Articulate' used incorrectly as a noun instead of a verb.
  • 'Articulate' confused with 'articulation' which has a different meaning.
  • Using 'articulate' in contexts where clarity isn't relevant.