annunciate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, literary, religious
Quick answer
What does “annunciate” mean?
To formally or solemnly announce something, especially something of importance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To formally or solemnly announce something, especially something of importance.
To act as a herald; to pronounce or articulate clearly and formally. Often implies a declarative, public, or religious proclamation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. It is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly formal, literary, or ecclesiastical. Might be perceived as pompous or outdated in casual contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language. Most common in religious, poetic, or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “annunciate” in a Sentence
Subject + annunciate + Object (e.g., The bishop annunciated the new dogma.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “annunciate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The town crier was to annunciate the royal decree at noon.
- It is the prophet's duty to annunciate the divine will.
American English
- The judge prepared to annunciate the verdict to a silent courtroom.
- He stood to annunciate his controversial thesis before the academic council.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Rare, found in historical, literary, or religious studies texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare; 'announce' or 'say' are used instead.
Technical
Not applicable in general technical fields. In linguistics, it is a near-synonym for 'enunciate' (to articulate clearly).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “annunciate”
- Using it as a fancy synonym for everyday 'announce'.
- Misspelling as 'enunciate' (which focuses on clarity of speech) or 'annul' (to cancel).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Annunciate' means to formally announce or proclaim. 'Enunciate' means to pronounce words clearly and distinctly.
No, it is very rare in modern English. 'Announce', 'proclaim', or 'declare' are almost always preferred.
The related nouns are 'annunciation' (a formal announcement, especially the Annunciation in Christianity) and 'annunciator' (a person or device that announces).
Almost never. It is too formal and archaic. Use 'announce', 'communicate', or 'declare' instead.
To formally or solemnly announce something, especially something of importance.
Annunciate is usually formal, literary, religious in register.
Annunciate: in British English it is pronounced /əˈnʌnsɪeɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈnʌnsiˌeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with this specific verb. Related to 'The Annunciation' (religious event).]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'Annunciation' when the Angel Gabriel formally ANNOUNCED news to Mary. 'Annunciate' is the verb form of that formal announcement.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC SPEECH IS A FORMAL DECREE (e.g., to annunciate is to speak with the authority of a herald or prophet).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'annunciate' MOST appropriate?