The term “articulate” comes from the Latin word “articulatus,” which means “distinct” or “clear.” This, in turn, is derived from the Latin verb “articulare,” meaning “to divide into joints” or “to utter distinctly.” The root word is “articulus,” meaning “a joint” or “a small connecting part.”
1. Proto-Indo-European (PIE)
The PIE root “ar-” or “arÉ™-” means “to fit together” or “to join.”
2. Latin
From the PIE root, the Latin verb “articulare” developed, meaning “to divide into joints” or “to utter distinctly,” and the adjective “articulatus,” meaning “distinct” or “clear.”
3. Old French (c. 9th to 14th century CE)
The Latin term “articulatus” evolved into Old French “articuler,” meaning “to separate into joints” or “to speak clearly.”
4. Middle English (c. 11th to 15th century CE)
The Old French “articuler” was adopted into Middle English as “articulaten,” meaning “to make distinct” or “to speak clearly.”
5. Modern English (from 15th century CE to present)
The term “articulate” evolved into its current form and pronunciation, meaning “to express (an idea or feeling) fluently and coherently” or “having joints or segments.”
The word “articulate” reflects the ability to express oneself clearly and effectively, both in terms of speech and writing, as well as the capacity to form distinct connections or joints in physical or abstract contexts.