pronounce
pruh-NOWNS
Pronounce (verb) means to make the sound of a word or letter in speech. Example: “Many learners struggle to pronounce the "th" sound in English.”
verb
1
To make the sound of a word or letter in speech.
"Many learners struggle to pronounce the "th" sound in English."
"How do you pronounce her surname?"
"My teacher asked me to pronounce each word slowly so everyone could hear it."
2
To declare something formally or officially.
"The judge pronounced the defendant guilty on all counts."
"The registrar pronounced them husband and wife in front of their families."
"Doctors have pronounced the patient fit enough to go home on Friday."
How to use pronounce
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo say a word the correct way, or to state something officially.
Common pairings
pronounce a word
pronounce dead
pronounce judgment
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- pronounces
- Past tense
- pronounced
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Many learners struggle to _____ the "th" sound in English.
Etymology
From Old French prononcier, from Latin prōnūntiō, from pro- ("forth, publicly") plus nūntiō ("to announce").
Related words
Rhymes for pronounce
See all rhymes for pronounce →Frequently asked questions
What does “pronounce” mean?
The word “pronounce” means to make the sound of a word or letter in speech. In plain terms, to say a word the correct way, or to state something officially.
How do you pronounce “pronounce”?
“Pronounce” is pronounced pruh-NOWNS (/pɹəˈnaʊns/ in IPA).
How do you use “pronounce” in a sentence?
Here is “pronounce” used in a sentence: “Many learners struggle to pronounce the "th" sound in English.”
What part of speech is “pronounce”?
“Pronounce” is a verb.
Where does the word “pronounce” come from?
The word “pronounce” comes from Latin. From Old French prononcier, from Latin prōnūntiō, from pro- ("forth, publicly") plus nūntiō ("to announce").
Is “pronounce” a common word?
“Pronounce” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “pronounce” have?
“Pronounce” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make the sound of a word or letter in speech.
What is the difference between pronounce and enunciate?
Pronounce refers generally to making the correct sound of a word or letter, while enunciate emphasizes speaking clearly and distinctly, especially so that each sound is easily understood. You can pronounce a word correctly without enunciating it clearly if you mumble.
Does pronounce always relate to speech sounds?
No. Pronounce can also mean to declare something formally or officially, as in a judge who pronounces a sentence or a couple pronounced husband and wife. This formal sense is distinct from the everyday meaning about saying sounds correctly.
What is a common mistake when using pronounce?
A common error is treating pronounce and pronunciation as interchangeable in spelling; pronounce is the verb, while pronunciation is the noun, and the noun form drops the second 'o' sound pattern, which trips up many writers.
