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enumerate

verb
enu·​mer·​ate | \ i-ˈn(y)ü-mə-ˌrāt How to pronounce enumerate (audio) \
enumerated; enumerating

Definition of enumerate

transitive verb

1 : to ascertain the number of : count
2 : to specify one after another : list
Other Words from enumerate Synonyms The Meaning of Enumerate Gets Specific Example Sentences Learn More about enumerate

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Other Words from enumerate

enumerative \ i-​ˈn(y)ü-​mə-​ˌrā-​tiv How to pronounce enumerative (audio) , -​ˈn(y)üm-​rə-​ , -​ˈn(y)ü-​mə-​rə-​ \ adjective

The Meaning of Enumerate Gets Specific

In a census year, the U.S. government attempts to enumerate every single citizen of the country—a task that, even in the modern era of technology, isn't truly possible. Medical tests often require the enumeration of bacteria, viruses, or other organisms to determine the progress of a disease or the effectiveness of a medication. Despite its numer- root, you don't have to use numbers when enumerating. For students of government and law, the "enumerated powers" are the specific responsibilities of the Congress, as listed in the U.S. Constitution; these are the only powers that Congress has, a fact that the Tenth Amendment makes even more clearly.

Examples of enumerate in a Sentence

Let me enumerate my reasons for doing this. I proceeded to enumerate the reasons why I would be justified in filing a lawsuit for negligence.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Eberstadt: As mentioned, though there are more causes than one of our disarray — as enumerated in Primal Screams — the most overlooked cause of all is radical social change beginning in the 1960s. — Nr Interview, National Review, "Identity Politics Runs Much Deeper than Politics," 27 Aug. 2019 Other offenses in the puzzle riled for different reasons, which Rebecca Falcon, a 30-year-old crossword constructor, enumerated at length on Twitter. — Peter Rubin, WIRED, "Upstart Crossword Puzzle Builders Get Their Point Across (and Down)," 19 Aug. 2019 They were also seen enumerating administrative groups to attempt further exploitation. — Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, "Microsoft catches Russian state hackers using IoT devices to breach networks," 5 Aug. 2019 In appealing a 2017 ruling that found the government violated the 1997 consent decree known as the Flores Settlement Agreement, Fabian argued that the decree does not specifically enumerate those items as mandatory. — Josh Lederman, NBC News, "Justice Department lawyer defends herself after viral video on child migrant treatment," 25 June 2019 Consider the one-and-done recommendation, the first enumerated in the Commission’s report. — Zach Osterman, Indianapolis Star, "Insider: Does college basketball want the change it says it seeks?," 25 Apr. 2018 But none of the rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights is without restriction, if a compelling governmental interest is met. — Staff Reports, charlotteobserver, "NC House candidates: Where they stand on key issues | Charlotte Observer," 17 Apr. 2018 Reaboi said, enumerating the many attempts during the Bush and Obama years to promote democracy in autocratic states. — Tina Nguyen, The Hive, "“Screw Nation Building”: Why the Trump Base Loves John Bolton," 5 Apr. 2018 And enumerating penalties for violation of record retention law will help ensure enforcement. — Jason Hancock, kansascity, "Hawley proposes steps to strengthen Missouri open-records laws | The Kansas City Star," 22 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enumerate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of enumerate

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for enumerate

Latin enumeratus, past participle of enumerare, from e- + numerare to count, from numerus number

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More Definitions for enumerate

enumerate

verb
How to pronounce enumerate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of enumerate

: to name (things) one after another in a list

See the full definition for enumerate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

enumerate

verb
enu·​mer·​ate | \ i-ˈnü-mə-ˌrāt How to pronounce enumerate (audio) , -ˈnyü-\
enumerated; enumerating

Kids Definition of enumerate

1 : count entry 1 sense 1
2 : to name one after another : list

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More from Merriam-Webster on enumerate

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with enumerate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for enumerate

Spanish Central: Translation of enumerate

Nglish: Translation of enumerate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of enumerate for Arabic Speakers

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