articuler

Articuler is a French verb with several related senses centered on connection, speech, and expression. In speech, it means to pronounce or enunciate words clearly, shaping sounds with the mouth and voice. Metaphorically, it can mean to express or frame an idea in a clear and coherent way, or to articulate a plan or argument. In anatomy and mechanics, it also means to join or connect by a joint, as bones articulate at a joint or components are designed to articulate with each other.

Etymology and related forms: the verb comes from Middle French articuler, from Latin articulare, itself from articulus “joint, small joint.” The related noun articulation and the adjective articulated (articulé) are common in technical and descriptive writing.

Usage and notes: articuler is a regular -er verb. It is used transitively to describe the act of enunciating or expressing something, and it can be used reflexively as s’articuler to describe how something is structured or organized. Common present-tense forms include je articule, tu articules, il articule, nous articulons, vous articulez, ils articulent. Examples: “Il articule parfaitement les voyelles,” “Le discours s’articule autour de trois points,” “Cette machine articule les pièces selon un plan.” In anatomy, one speaks of “l’articulation du bras,” and in mechanics of parts that “s’articulent.”

Other notes: the participle is articulé; feminine form articulée, and the noun corresponding is articulation. The verb shares its root with the English cognate articulate, though usage and sense can differ across languages.