enumerate
/ɪˈnjuː.mə.reɪt/To name or mention things one by one, usually in a clear and ordered way. You often use this word when you want to go through each item in a list carefully, leaving nothing out.
- The researcher enumerated five major causes of climate change.
- Please enumerate the steps before starting the experiment.
- She enumerated her qualifications clearly during the interview.
Adinary Nuance
Enumerate is closest to list, itemize, and name, but they are not always interchangeable. List is neutral and fits everyday speech ("list your hobbies"), while enumerate signals a more deliberate, ordered, or thorough count — it is the more formal academic choice. Itemize overlaps in meaning but is mostly used in business or financial contexts, such as itemizing expenses on a bill. Name is the most casual of the group ("name three countries") and implies speed, not completeness. Choose enumerate when you want to show systematic thoroughness — it is especially effective in IELTS and academic writing where structured argument matters.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Liệt kê
- Spanish
- Enumerar
- Chinese
- 列举
- Japanese
- 列挙する
- Korean
- 열거하다
Etymology
From Latin "enumerare," meaning "to count out," built from "e-" (out) and "numerare" (to count), related to "numerus" (number). The word entered English in the early 17th century, mainly through scholarly and scientific writing.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'enumerate' formal or informal?
- It is formal. You will see it most often in academic essays, reports, legal documents, and IELTS writing. In everyday conversation, most people simply say 'list' or 'name'.
- What is the difference between 'enumerate' and 'list'?
- 'Enumerate' implies a careful, numbered, or ordered run-through of items — nothing is skipped. 'List' is more general and neutral, and works in both formal and casual situations. Use 'enumerate' when you want to show thoroughness.
- Can I use 'enumerate' in an IELTS Task 2 essay?
- Yes, but use it carefully. It fits well in phrases like 'The essay enumerates three main arguments.' However, if you are introducing ideas broadly, 'outline' or 'highlight' may sound more natural to examiners.
- What is the noun form of 'enumerate'?
- The noun form is 'enumeration,' meaning the act of listing or counting things one by one. Example: 'The enumeration of grievances filled several pages.'