pronounce

verb

pruh-NOWNS/pɹəˈnaʊns/

Formspronounces, pronouncing, pronounced

9 meanings of pronounce

1
verbtransitive
To say the sounds of a word in the correct way.
Like saying each part of a word out loud so others can hear it clearly.
Many learners struggle to pronounce long English words correctly.
She pronounces every syllable clearly when she reads to the class.
Similararticulate, enunciate, say, sound, utter
Oppositemispronounce, mumble, slur
Note
2
verbtransitive
To say something in an official or formal way.
Like an announcer whose words make something official.
I now pronounce you married before all your friends and family.
The official pronounced the new park open to the public.
Similardeclare, proclaim, announce, decree
Note
3
verbtransitive
To say what you have decided is true, speaking as an expert.
Doctors can pronounce a patient healthy after running the tests.
The critic pronounced the new restaurant a complete success.
Similardeclare, judge, deem, certify, rule
Note
4
verbtransitive
To officially say that someone has died.
The doctors had to pronounce the patient dead at the scene.
The paramedics pronounced him dead within minutes of arriving.
Similardeclare, certify
Note
5
verbintransitive
To give your opinion or decision about something.
The committee will pronounce on the matter next week.
The judge pronounced on the case after weeks of testimony.
Similarrule, comment, decide, adjudicate, judge
Note
6
verbintransitive
To make the sounds used in speaking.
After the stroke, he struggled to pronounce clearly.
She pronounces more distinctly after months of speech therapy.
Similararticulate, enunciate, speak
Oppositemumble, slur, mutter
7
verbtransitive
To read written words out loud.
The teacher asked the boy to pronounce the passage to the class.
She pronounced the poem slowly so everyone could follow along.
Similarrecite, read, declaim
8
verbtransitive
To sound similar to another word when spoken.
Many speakers pronounce "often" like "offen."
In her accent, she pronounces "bath" like "barth."
Similarsay, render
Note
9
verbtransitive
To make something stand out or seem stronger.
Bright lighting can pronounce every flaw in the painted wall.
The dark frame pronounced the painting's bold colors.
Similaraccentuate, emphasize, highlight, accent, define
Oppositeminimize, soften, obscure, conceal

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Latin, made of prō- meaning 'out, in public' and nūntiō meaning 'I announce'. English got it through Old French prononcier.