articulate
UK: ɑːˈtɪk.jə.leɪt | US: ɑːrˈtɪk.jə.leɪt
adj. 1. (of speech) clear, fluent, and expressive
adj. 2. (of a person) able to express ideas coherently
vt. 1. to express an idea or feeling clearly in words
vt. 2. to form a joint or connection (in anatomy or mechanics)
Derived from Latin articulatus (past participle of articulare, "to divide into joints"), from articulus ("small joint, division"). The root articul- reflects the idea of segmentation or connection, which evolved metaphorically to describe clear, structured speech (as if "jointed" into distinct parts). The suffix -ate marks it as a verb or adjective. The dual meaning—physical joints and verbal clarity—highlights the word's logical progression from literal to abstract.
She gave an articulate presentation on climate change.
He struggled to articulate his emotions after the loss.
The robot’s limbs were highly articulate, allowing precise movements.
As a teacher, she emphasized articulate writing.
The skeleton’s articulate bones were preserved in the museum.