pronounce

[ pruh-nouns ]

verb (used with object)

, pro·nounced, pro·nounc·ing.

1. to enunciate or articulate (sounds, words, sentences, etc.).
2. to utter or sound in a particular manner in speaking:

   He pronounces his words indistinctly.

3. to utter or articulate in the accepted or correct manner:

   I can't pronounce this word.

4. to declare (a person or thing) to be as specified:

   She pronounced it the best salmon she had ever tasted.

5. to utter or deliver formally or solemnly:

   to pronounce sentence.

6. to announce authoritatively or officially:

   The judge pronounced the defendant guilty.

7. to indicate the pronunciation of (words) by providing a phonetic transcription:

   This dictionary pronounces most of the words entered.

verb (used without object)

, pro·nounced, pro·nounc·ing.

1. to pronounce words, phrases, etc.
2. to make a statement or assertion, especially an authoritative statement (often followed by on ):

   He was required to pronounce on the findings of his research.

3. to give an opinion or decision (usually followed by on ):

   to pronounce on an important matter.

4. to indicate the pronunciation of words:

   a spelling book that pronounces.

pronounce

/ prəˈnaʊns /

verb

1. to utter or articulate (a sound or sequence of sounds)
2. tr to utter or articulate (sounds or words) in the correct way
3. tr; may take a clause as object to proclaim officially and solemnly

   I now pronounce you man and wife

4. when tr, may take a clause as object to declare as one's judgment

   to pronounce the death sentence upon someone

5. tr to make a phonetic transcription of (sounds or words)

Derived Forms

• proˈnouncer, noun
• proˈnounceable, adjective

Other Words From

• pro·nouncea·ble adjective
• pro·nouncea·ble·ness noun
• pro·nouncer noun
• prepro·nounce verb (used with object) prepronounced prepronouncing
• unpro·nouncea·ble adjective
• unpro·nouncing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pronounce¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English pronouncen, from Middle French prononcier, from Latin prōnūntiāre “to proclaim, announce, recite, utter”; pro- ¹, announce

Word History and Origins

Origin of pronounce¹

C14: from Latin prōnuntiāre to announce, from pro- ¹+ nuntiāre to announce

Example Sentences

Byars’ was pronounced dead Thursday from “multiple blunt force injuries,” a spokesperson for the Maryland Chief Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Friday to The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

His recent spate of Cabinet picks including immigration hardliners makes that threat more pronounced.

From Salon

Elle suffered skull fractures and a cardiac arrest, and was pronounced dead in hospital an hour after the attack.

From BBC

Mr Durham was pronounced dead on the scene.

From BBC

Both were pronounced dead at the scene after first responders attempted lifesaving measures.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• assert
• deliver
• proclaim