Enumeration: meaning, definitions and examples

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enumeration

[ɪˌnjuːməˈreɪʃn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

list

The action of mentioning a number of things one by one.

Synonyms

counting, listing, recitation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
enumeration	Formal or technical context, often used in documentation, programming, or scientific reports. The enumeration of the species found in the area took several months to complete In programming, enumeration allows for the assignment of names to numbers
listing	Commonly used to refer to the action of making a list, whether written or verbal, in various informal and formal contexts. I'm listing the tasks we need to complete for the project She was listing all the things she wanted to buy at the store
counting	Everyday use, suitable for both informal and formal settings when pertaining to the action of determining the number of items. She started counting the number of apples in the basket Counting the votes took all night
recitation	Used when referring to the action of repeating something aloud, often from memory; can imply a formal or ceremonial context. The recitation of the poem moved the audience to tears Students practiced the recitation of historical speeches

Examples of usage

The enumeration of the items on the list was meticulous.
The enumeration of the different species in the forest was a daunting task.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

census

The process of counting all the people in a country or specific group.

Synonyms

census, survey, tally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
enumeration	Used when counting items or individuals in a systematic and detailed way. Often in administrative or academic settings. The enumeration of the votes took several hours. The research project included the enumeration of various species in the forest.
census	Used specifically for counting the population of a country or region, typically organized by a government. The government conducts a census every ten years. Accurate census data helps in effective planning and resource allocation.
survey	Used when conducting a detailed study or gathering data through questionnaires or interviews, often for research purposes. They conducted a survey to understand customer satisfaction. The survey included questions about employees' work environment.
tally	Used in situations where you're keeping a running count or score, often in a casual or informal setting. The teacher kept a tally of the students' participation. We'll need to tally up the results after the event.

Examples of usage

The government conducted an enumeration to gather demographic data.
The enumeration revealed an increase in the population over the past decade.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

computing

The process of assigning a unique number to each element in a set.

Synonyms

indexing, labeling, ordering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
enumeration	Use when you list items one by one, often in an ordered sequence. Common in formal or technical writing. The book includes an enumeration of all the species found in the rainforest The agenda was presented with a clear enumeration of topics
indexing	Best suited for creating a system to locate and retrieve information, like in books, databases, or search engines. The librarian spent hours indexing the new arrivals The search engine uses indexing to quickly retrieve relevant data
labeling	Appropriate for assigning names or tags to items for identification purposes. Common in everyday tasks and scientific contexts. She spent the afternoon labeling all the containers Proper labeling of the samples ensured there were no mix-ups
ordering	Suitable when you are arranging items based on a specific sequence or criteria. Can be used in various contexts, from organizing things to making decisions. The data was carefully ordered from oldest to newest Ordering the files alphabetically will make them easier to find

Examples of usage

The enumeration of the elements in the array was necessary for sorting.
The software required an enumeration of the data for proper organization.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'enumeratio,' which means 'counting up' or 'counting out.'
It is formed from 'e-' (out of) and 'numerare' (to count), linking it clearly to the act of counting.
In English, it has been used since the 14th century to describe the process of counting or listing.

Mathematics

In mathematics, enumeration is crucial for probability and combinatorics. It helps determine how many ways items can be arranged or chosen.
Algorithms for enumeration are essential in computer science, especially in data sorting and retrieval.
A famous example is the 'counting principle,' which explains how many possible combinations can be formed from different sets.

Literature

Literary works often use enumeration to list characteristics of a character or items in a scene, enriching the narrative.
In poetry, enumeration can create rhythm and enhance imagery, giving emphasis to each item listed.
Famous authors like James Joyce have famously used enumeration to demonstrate the complexity of thought and description.

Programming

In programming, enumeration often refers to a data type that consists of a set of named values, streamlining coding practices.
Enumerations help reduce errors in code by limiting values a variable can take, making programs safer and more understandable.
Many programming languages, like C# and Java, feature enumeration types that give meaningful names to sets of numeric values.

Psychology

Enumerating options can help reduce decision fatigue by clearly laying out choices, making it easier to make decisions.
List-making is encouraged in therapeutic settings as it can enhance cognitive clarity and prioritize thoughts.
Cognitive load theory suggests that organizing information into enumerated lists improves memory recall and understanding.

Translations

Translations of the word "enumeration" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enumeração

🇮🇳 क्रमांकन

🇩🇪 Aufzählung

🇮🇩 enumerasi

🇺🇦 перелічення

🇵🇱 wyliczenie

🇯🇵 列挙

🇫🇷 énumération

🇪🇸 enumeración

🇹🇷 numaralandırma

🇰🇷 열거

🇸🇦 ترقيم

🇨🇿 výčtové

🇸🇰 výpočet

🇨🇳 列举

🇸🇮 naštevanje

🇮🇸 talning

🇰🇿 санақ

🇬🇪 განრიგება

🇦🇿 siyahılama

🇲🇽 enumeración

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,911 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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9908 perceptual
9909 stall
9910 dissatisfied
9911 enumeration
9912 buffalo
9913 meridian
9914 tungsten
...