Words / B2

ah-TIK-yool-ayt/ɑːˈtɪkjuleɪt/

To articulate is to express thoughts clearly in words: articulate a problem, articulate a feeling. Explain is everyday; express is close; spell out is informal. Articulate is also an adjective for a person who speaks clearly. Articulation is the noun (and, in phonetics, how sounds are formed). In speech, put into words or say clearly is more natural. Do not use it for mere chatting.

Meaning

To express thoughts clearly in words.

Examples

• “She articulated the problem in one sentence.”
• “She articulated the trade-off in one sentence: cheaper, or faster.”
• “He is articulate in tutorials but still struggles to write the same point.”

Good to know

Put into clear words. Also adjective: a clear speaker. Everyday: say clearly / put into words. Noun: articulation.

Near in meaning

express

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