Enumerate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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enumerate

[ษชหˆnuหmษ™reษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

list items

Mention a number of things one by one.

Synonyms

count, detail, itemize, list, recite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enumerate

Use when listing items one by one in an orderly and clear way, often with numbers.

  • She asked him to enumerate the reasons for his decision
  • The report enumerates several key issues
list

Best used for a simple naming of items, often without additional information.

  • He asked her to list the groceries she needed
  • The document lists all the chapters in the book
detail

Ideal for providing a full description or list of items with additional information.

  • Please detail your plan for the project
  • The contract details the terms of agreement
itemize

Useful for creating a list where each item is described individually, often in a defined order.

  • The invoice itemizes all the services provided
  • She itemized her expenses for the month
count

Best for specifying a numerical total, often without listing individual items.

  • I can count the number of times I've been there on one hand
  • Please count the guests to ensure we have enough seats
recite

Commonly used when verbally listing or reading aloud from memory, often in a formal or academic context.

  • She could recite the entire poem from memory
  • The students were asked to recite their answers

Examples of usage

  • Let's enumerate the advantages of this proposal.
  • She began to enumerate the reasons he loved her.
  • We need to enumerate all the tasks that need to be completed.
  • The teacher asked the students to enumerate the different types of animals.
  • The report should enumerate the key findings of the study.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In mathematics, to enumerate is to count a set of items or to arrange them in a sequence.
  • Enumeration is a key concept in combinatorics, helping to understand potential arrangements of objects.
  • It also plays a role in algorithms, where counting occurrences of items can optimize data processing.

Literature

  • Writers often enumerate details to clarify their points, making their arguments stronger.
  • It's used in poetry and prose to create rhythm and enhance the reader's experience.
  • Famous works, like lists in catalog poems, exemplify the power of enumeration in literature.

Computer Science

  • In programming, enumeration refers to defining a variable that can hold a fixed set of values, such as days of the week.
  • Enumerating through data structures helps in iterating over items efficiently, critical for coding tasks.
  • The concept of enumeration in software testing helps identify all possible states and inputs.

Psychology

  • Enumerating tasks or goals can improve focus and productivity by breaking down large tasks into manageable pieces.
  • In cognitive behavior therapy, clients may enumerate their thoughts to challenge and change negative thinking patterns.
  • Mental enumeration practices, like listing gratitudes, can boost overall mental well-being.

Origin of 'enumerate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'enumerare', meaning 'to count' or 'to list'.
  • The prefix 'e-' means 'out', and 'numer' relates to 'number', reflecting the act of bringing numbers 'out' in a list.
  • It has been used in the English language since the late Middle Ages, around the 15th century.

The word 'enumerate' comes from the Latin word 'enumerare', which means 'to count out'. It was first used in the English language in the early 18th century. The concept of listing or counting items one by one has been essential in various fields such as mathematics, literature, and research. Enumerating items helps in organizing information and making it easier to understand and analyze.


See also: enumeration.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,481, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.