enumeration

Everyday

1. (formal) Counting or naming things one by one. tree →
2. (formal) A numbered or ordered list of things. tree →
3. (maths) Listing all possible cases or arrangements to count them. tree →

In the lessons

A formal word. In maths, enumeration means listing all possibilities in a careful order so none is missed — useful for problems like «how many outfits can you make». In official writing, «an enumeration of the rules» is just a list. Censuses use «enumerators» who count people.

Examples

• The enumeration of all the outfits gave twelve different ways. tree →
• His enumeration of excuses was very long. tree →
• Careful enumeration helps you find every possible pair. tree →
• The report begins with an enumeration of the main risks. tree →
• The census is an enumeration of everyone living in the country. tree →
• Use enumeration to list the ways to make 10p. tree →

Note

Verb: enumerate (to list or count one by one). Formal; everyday words are «list» or «counting». In maths, a systematic enumeration means counting in an orderly way so that the total is right — missing or repeating a case changes the answer.