What Is the Difference Between Enunciation and Pronunciation?

Pronunciation is the act of saying a word correctly, and enunciation is making sure that words are spoken in a way that is clear, concise and easy to understand. For good pronunciation, speakers must say each syllable of a word correctly. For good enunciation, speakers should not mumble or slur while speaking, according to All About Learning Press.

Words can be pronounced in a variety of ways depending on a person’s culture, dialect or social class. Certain cultures stress specific letters or sounds when pronouncing words, while others do the opposite by placing less emphasis on a sound or omitting the sound completely. One challenge associated with pronouncing and enunciating words is that people are less likely to enunciate words clearly if they think they’re not pronouncing the word correctly. This is especially true for those learning to speak a new language.

Pronouncing words correctly and enunciating clearly is essential for good spelling, according to All About Learning Press. When people write, their written texts reflect the way they pronounce certain words. Reading aloud and enunciating clearly can minimize misspellings in written documents and help improve spelling overall. All About Learning Press also suggests exaggerating the pronunciation of words when speaking out loud to ensure that each letter and syllable is being expressed clearly.