Definition of inarticulate

The word "inarticulate" has its roots in Latin. The Latin term "inarticulatus" is derived from "in-" (meaning "not" or "un-") and "articulatus" (meaning "jointed" or "separated"). In the 15th century, the term "inarticulate" emerged in English, initially meaning "not able to speak with distinctness" or "lacking in words or phrases to express one's thoughts". Over time, the meaning of "inarticulate" expanded to include connotations of uncertainty, lack of clarity, or difficulty in expressing oneself coherently. Today, the word is used to describe someone or something that is unable to clearly express their thoughts, ideas, or feelings, whether due to a lack of vocabulary, linguistic skills, or cognitive abilities. Despite its evolution, the core idea of "inarticulate" remains tied to the concept of separation or disconnection between one's thoughts and the language used to convey them.