Both Uses of
inarticulate
in
White Noise, by Don DeLillo
- The rhythmic urgency had given way to a sustained, inarticulate and mournful sound.†
Part 1 *inarticulate = unable to express oneself clearly; or not expressed clearly
- This sentiment was expressed not so much in words and actions as in terrible and inarticulate sounds, mainly cattle noises, an urgent and force-fed lowing.†
Part 1
Definition:
unable to communicate clearly (or to use words)
or (more rarely): a feeling or idea that is not expressed
or (more rarely): a feeling or idea that is not expressed
The exact meaning of inarticulate depends upon its context. For example:
- unable to find good words to express oneself -- as in "She gets inarticulate when she's nervous."
- verbally expressing a feeling without words -- as in "She uttered an inarticulate cry of despair."
- unable to make oneself heard and understood -- as in "She mumbled inarticulately."
- unable to speak -- as in "She was inarticulate with rage."
- a feeling or idea that is not expressed -- as in "We shared an inarticulate fear."
- inability to express or understand feelings or ideas -- as in "She is emotionally inarticulate, " or "Her symphony is inarticulate."