What is pronounce? Pronunciation and usage in English

pronounce means . Learn how to pronounce and use pronounce through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of pronounce

pronounceverb

/prəˈnaʊns/
Definition & pronunciation of pronounce

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "pronounce." It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

The word is generally divided into two syllables: pro-nounce

2. Pronunciation Guide:

  • "Pro": Pronounced like "pro" in "problem" – a short, crisp "uh" sound. (IPA: /prə/)

  • "Nounce": This is the trickier part.

    • "Noun": Pronounced like "noun" – (IPA: /naʊn/) – with a slightly rounded "ow" sound, like in "cow" or "now."
    • "ce": Pronounced like "s" – (IPA: /s/) – as in "sense."

3. Putting it Together:

So, when you combine them, it sounds like: pro-nounce (approximately: /prəˈnaʊns/)

4. Tips & Nuances:

  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable ("nounce"). That’s why it’s more clearly “pro-nounce” rather than “pro-nounce.”

  • Rhyme: It rhymes with “announce” and “consume”.

  • Emphasis: Try to give a slight pause between the "pro" and "nounce" to really hear the two syllables.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

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  • Give you some example sentences using the word “pronounce”?

Usage and examples with the word pronounce in English

Let's break down how to use the word "pronounce" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, but they all revolve around speaking and giving a name to something.

1. To Say Something Out Loud (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent way "pronounce" is used. It means to say something aloud, clearly, and correctly.
  • Structure: pronounce + noun/phrase
  • Examples:
    • "The president pronounced the new policy during a press conference." (Said it aloud)
    • “She carefully pronounced each word of the poem.” (Said it clearly)
    • "The actor pronounced the lines with perfect diction." (Spoke with clarity)

2. To Give a Name To (Formal Usage)

  • Meaning: This is a more formal and less common usage. It means to officially name or declare something.
  • Structure: pronounce + something + as + noun
  • Examples:
    • "The judge pronounced the defendant guilty." (Officially declared guilt)
    • "The company pronounced its annual profits." (Officially announced the profits)
    • “The council pronounced the building unsafe.” (Officially declared it unsafe)

3. To State the Pronunciation of a Word

  • Meaning: This refers specifically to saying how a word is spelled. Often used with dictionaries.
  • Structure: pronounce + word
  • Examples:
    • “The dictionary pronounces ‘onomatopoeia’ as /ˌɒnəˌmætəˈpiːə/." (States the phonetic spelling)
    • "Can you pronounce 'schadenfreude' for me?" (Asking for the correct pronunciation)
    • "The guide pronounces the word’s origin.” (Explaining where the word comes from - sometimes regarding pronunciation)

Key Differences & When to Use Which:

Feature Say Out Loud (Most Common) Officially Name/Declare Pronunciation of a Word
Focus Act of speaking Formal declaration Spelling and sound
Formality Informal to Formal Formal Formal
Commonality Very Common Less Common Common in linguistic contexts

Tips for Using "Pronounce":

  • Context is Key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like "say," "state," "utter," or "declare" when the meaning is simply to speak something aloud. For official declarations, "announce," "declare," or "state" are good choices.
  • Listen to Native Speakers: Hearing "pronounce" used in natural conversation will help you get a feel for its proper usage.

Resources for Pronunciation:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "pronounce"?
  • Explain how "pronounce" differs from similar words (like "utter," "speak," or "say")?
  • Help you practice using the word in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word pronounce

Practice with vocabulary pronounce

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many non-native speakers find it challenging to properly ______ English "th" sounds.
  2. The committee will ______ its final decision on the proposal by the end of the week.
  3. Effective leaders can clearly ______ their vision to their team members.
  4. During the negotiation, it was important to ______ our key requirements without ambiguity.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which word(s) describe(s) the act of forming the sounds of words and names correctly? a) Utter b) Enunciate c) Pronounce d) Articulate

  2. Which word(s) can be used when a judge officially delivers a legal judgment or sentence? a) Announce b) Declare c) Pronounce d) Sentence

  3. If a word is difficult to say clearly and correctly, what verb(s) would you use to describe the challenge? a) Articulate b) State c) Pronounce d) Enunciate

  4. When presenting, what is important to do with your ideas so the audience understands them clearly? a) Utter b) Convey c) Express d) Articulate

  5. To fully understand the meaning of complex legal text, one must carefully ______ its clauses. a) interpret b) translate c) decipher d) articulate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The correct way to say her unique surname is often difficult for newcomers. (Rewrite using "pronounce" or a related word form.)

  2. The medical team officially declared the patient deceased after all efforts failed. (Rewrite using "pronounce" or a related word form.)

  3. It is essential to say each word distinctly and clearly in public speaking. (Rewrite, but do not use "pronounce" or related forms. Use a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. pronounce
  2. pronounce
  3. articulate
  4. convey

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Enunciate, c) Pronounce, d) Articulate
  2. b) Declare, c) Pronounce, d) Sentence
  3. a) Articulate, c) Pronounce, d) Enunciate
  4. b) Convey, c) Express, d) Articulate
  5. a) interpret, c) decipher

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Newcomers often find it difficult to pronounce her unique surname correctly. (Alternatively: The correct pronunciation of her unique surname is often difficult for newcomers.)
  2. After all efforts failed, the medical team officially pronounced the patient deceased.
  3. It is essential to enunciate each word distinctly and clearly in public speaking. (Alternatively: It is essential to articulate each word distinctly and clearly in public speaking.)

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