pronounce

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   speak or utter in a certain way

   My nibling pronounces French words in a funny way.

2. 2
   verb

   To declare formally, officially or ceremoniously.

   Then everybody once more knelt, and soon the blessing was pronounced. The choir and the clergy trooped out slowly, […], down the nave to the western door. […] At a seemingly immense distance the surpliced group stopped to say the last prayer.

3. 3
   verb

   To declare authoritatively, or as a formal expert opinion.

   The doctor pronounced them legally dead.

4. 4
   verb

   To pass judgment.

   The judge had pronounced often before, but never in front of such a crowd.

5. 5
   verb

   To sound out (a word or phrase); to articulate.

   They spell it "Vinci" and pronounce it "Vinchy". Foreigners always spell better than they pronounce.

6. 6
   verb

   To produce the components of speech.

   Actors must be able to pronounce perfectly or deliberately disabled.

7. 7
   verb

   To emphasize, highlight.

   The two men standing are facing with their backs towards the audience, wearing tight knitted garments that pronounce their bottoms.

8. 8
   verb

   pronounce judgment on

Etymology

Recorded since c.1330 as Middle English pronouncen (“to utter, declare officially”), from Old French prononcier, from Latin prōnūntiō, itself from prō- (“forth, out, in public”) + nūntiō (“to announce”) from nūntius (“messenger”).