pronounce
B1Formal and Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To make the sound of a word or letter with the voice.
To declare or state something officially or formally, especially in a legal context (e.g., a sentence or verdict). To state an opinion or judgement about something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, it primarily relates to speech sounds in its core sense. Its formal, declarative sense is used in official or legal contexts (e.g., 'pronounce judgement'). The adjective form 'pronounced' is distinct, meaning 'very noticeable'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Spelling derivatives (pronouncement, pronunciation) follow standard patterns. There is a minor potential for difference in the legal register, where 'pronounce sentence' is standard in both, but local legal jargon may vary.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties. The word carries a connotation of authority and formality when used in its declarative sense.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties. The noun 'pronunciation' is the standard term in both, not 'pronounciation'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
pronounce + noun (pronounce the word)pronounce + noun phrase + adjective (pronounce him fit to stand trial)pronounce + on/upon + noun (pronounce on matters of policy)be pronounced + adjective (The 'k' is silent in 'knight' and not pronounced.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pronounce sentence”
- “Hard/tricky to pronounce”
- “Pronounce oneself satisfied”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal announcements, e.g., 'The board will pronounce its decision tomorrow.'
Academic
Common in linguistics/phonetics for describing speech sounds. Used in law for formal declarations.
Everyday
Commonly used when discussing language learning, names, or the correct way to say a word.
Technical
Core term in phonetics and language teaching. Used in legal terminology for formal judgements.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- How do you pronounce 'schedule'?
- The magistrate will pronounce sentence next week.
- I find it hard to pronounce the Welsh 'll' sound.
American English
- Can you pronounce 'water' for me?
- The judge pronounced the defendant guilty.
- He pronounced on the issue with great authority.
adverb
British English
- The name is pronouncedly foreign.
- (Note: Rare usage)
American English
- The flavour is pronouncedly spicy.
- (Note: Rare usage)
adjective
British English
- He spoke with a pronounced Edinburgh lilt.
- There was a pronounced smell of damp in the cellar.
American English
- She has a pronounced New York accent.
- The policy shift led to a pronounced increase in costs.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I can't pronounce this word.
- Please pronounce your name slowly.
- How is this town's name pronounced?
- The doctor pronounced him fit and healthy.
- Many learners struggle to pronounce the 'th' sounds in English.
- The committee has yet to pronounce its verdict on the proposal.
- Linguists study how children learn to pronounce complex consonant clusters.
- The Archbishop pronounced a blessing upon the newly married couple.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: You PROnounce a word to make it sound PROfessional.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECLARING IS PRONOUNCING (e.g., 'The judge pronounced sentence'), KNOWING IS PRONOUNCING CORRECTLY (e.g., 'He knows how to pronounce it').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse 'pronounce' (произносить) with 'announce' (объявлять).
- The noun is 'pronunciation' /prəˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/, not 'pronounciation'. This is a common spelling mistake.
- The adjective 'pronounced' (заметный, явный) has a different meaning from the verb.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling the noun as 'pronounciation'.
- Confusing 'pronounce' with 'enunciate' (the latter implies particular clarity).
- Using the past tense 'pronounced' incorrectly for the adjective meaning 'noticeable' (e.g., 'He has a pronounced accent' is correct; 'He pronounced an accent' is not).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct noun form of the verb 'pronounce'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Pronunciate' is not a standard English word. The correct verb is 'pronounce'. The related noun is 'pronunciation'.
'Pronounce' refers to producing the correct sounds of a word. 'Enunciate' means to speak clearly and distinctly, often emphasising each syllable. You can enunciate clearly but still mispronounce a word.
Yes. In formal contexts, it can mean to declare something officially, such as a judgement, verdict, or opinion (e.g., 'The court pronounced sentence').
Yes, the adjective is 'pronounced', but its meaning shifts to 'very noticeable or conspicuous' (e.g., 'a pronounced difference'). It is not used to mean 'able to pronounce'.