Pronounce Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”Š
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pronounce

[prษ™หˆnaสŠns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

spoken

To say or recite, typically with a particular accent or intonation.

Synonyms

articulate, enunciate, utter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pronounce

Use this word when referring to the way a word or a name is said correctly, often in the context of languages or phonetics.

  • She can pronounce French words perfectly.
  • How do you pronounce your last name?
articulate

This word is best used when describing someone who speaks clearly and effectively, especially when expressing their thoughts and ideas.

  • He is known for his ability to articulate his thoughts well.
  • She is an articulate speaker, capable of captivating the audience.
enunciate

This word should be chosen when focusing specifically on the clarity and precision of one's speech, often in the context of making sure words are heard and understood properly.

  • Please enunciate your words so everyone can understand you.
  • He tends to mumble, so I asked him to enunciate more clearly.
utter

Use this word when referring to the act of speaking or making a sound, often in contexts where what is being said is brief, spontaneous, or of little consequence.

  • She managed to utter a few words before leaving.
  • He could barely utter a sound after the shocking news.

Examples of usage

  • He pronounced the words slowly and clearly.
  • She pronounced her name with a French accent.
Context #2 | Noun

linguistics

The way in which a word is pronounced.

Synonyms

articulation, enunciation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pronounce

This word is used to describe the act of making the sound of a word or phrase, especially in terms of correctness and clarity.

  • She learned to pronounce the complicated scientific terms correctly
  • Can you pronounce this word for me?
articulation

This word is used when referring to the clarity and precision with which someone speaks. It often implies clear and distinct speech.

  • His articulation was clear and easy to understand
  • Good articulation can make your speech more effective
enunciation

This word emphasizes the clearness and distinctness of speech production, often used in the context of public speaking or singing.

  • Her enunciation is excellent; every word is crisp and clear
  • Proper enunciation is crucial for actors and singers

Examples of usage

  • The pronunciation of 'pronounce' varies between British and American English.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • Pronunciation can vary widely between different languages, dialects, and regions.
  • Phonetics is the study of how sounds are produced, influencing pronunciation.
  • Accent can greatly affect how a word is pronounced, adding flavor from one's native culture.

Education

  • Good pronunciation is vital for effective communication and language learning.
  • Teachers often use phonetic representations to help students learn correct pronunciation.
  • Using audio resources can tremendously help in mastering pronunciation.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, charactersโ€™ unique pronunciations often reflect their backgrounds or personalities.
  • There are many popular TV shows that explore language and pronunciation in humorous ways.
  • Celebrities sometimes create buzz by mispronouncing words, drawing attention to pronunciation in media.

Psychology

  • Studies show that pronunciation can affect listeners' perceptions of a speakerโ€™s intelligence.
  • People often make judgments about someone's education based on their pronunciation.
  • Pronunciation can affect self-confidence; mispronouncing a word might lead to embarrassment.

Origin of 'pronounce'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'pronuntiare', meaning 'to proclaim' or 'to announce'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally written as 'pronouncen'.
  • Over time, the spelling evolved to include the 'c' to emphasize the correct sound.

The word 'pronounce' originated from the Old French word 'pronuncier' which came from the Latin word 'pronuntiare', meaning 'to proclaim'. The term has been used in English since the late 14th century, initially with a legal context referring to the delivering of a judgment or verdict. Over the centuries, the meaning evolved to include the act of speaking or reciting words with a specific accent or intonation.


See also: pronouncement, pronunciation, pronunciator.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,124, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.