Definition

1. Verb (Transitive):

   • To make the sound of (a word or letter) with one's voice; to articulate. This is the most common meaning, referring to the act of saying a word correctly or in a particular way.
   • To declare or announce something officially or formally. This meaning involves making an authoritative statement, often in a legal or ceremonial context.

2. Verb (Intransitive):

   • To give an opinion or judgment. This use means to state one's view, especially in a decisive or authoritative manner.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (Transitive - Articulation):

  • How do you pronounce this word? I've never seen it before.
  • She pronounces her name with a soft "g".
  • The teacher asked the student to pronounce each syllable clearly.

• Verb (Transitive - Formal Declaration):

  • The judge will pronounce the sentence tomorrow.
  • I now pronounce you husband and wife.
  • The doctor pronounced him fit to return to work.

• Verb (Intransitive - Giving an Opinion):

  • The committee has not yet pronounced on the matter.
  • He is always ready to pronounce on subjects he knows little about.

Advanced Usage

• "To pronounce oneself (as)...": To state one's own condition or opinion formally.
  • He pronounced himself satisfied with the results.
• "To pronounce in favor of/against": To declare one's support or opposition.
  • The council pronounced in favor of the new development plan.

Variants and Related Words

• Pronunciation (n): The way in which a word is pronounced.
  • What is the correct pronunciation of "schedule"?
• Pronounceable (adj): Able to be pronounced.
  • The chemical name is barely pronounceable.
• Unpronounceable (adj): Extremely difficult or impossible to pronounce.
  • The dish had an unpronounceable name.

Synonyms

• Articulate: To speak clearly and distinctly.
• Enunciate: To pronounce words clearly.
• Declare: To announce something formally or officially.
• Proclaim: To announce something publicly and officially.

Related Phrases

• Pronounce judgment/sentence: To state officially what a punishment or legal decision will be.
  • The court is expected to pronounce judgment next week.
• Hard to pronounce: Difficult to say correctly.
  • Many learners find English place names hard to pronounce.

Verb

1. pronounce judgment on
   • They labeled him unfit to work here
2. speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way
   • She pronounces French words in a funny way
   • I cannot say `zip wire'
   • Can the child sound out this complicated word?