What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
enumeration
Example
The enumeration of the different species of birds in the park took several hours. [enumeration: noun]
Example
She began the tedious task of enumeration, counting each item one by one. [enumeration: gerund]
numeration
Example
The numeration of the invoices was necessary for accurate record-keeping. [numeration: noun]
Example
He used his knowledge of numeration to quickly calculate the total cost of the items. [numeration: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Enumeration is more commonly used than numeration in everyday language. Enumeration is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while numeration is less common and is typically used in formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between enumeration and numeration?
Both enumeration and numeration are formal words, but numeration is more technical and precise, making it more appropriate for use in highly specialized fields such as mathematics or accounting.