Sound out

usgb
verb

To say the sounds that form a word, one by one, in order to understand or make someone understand how a word is pronounced.

He found it difficult to sound out the complex scientific names in the textbook.
Visual representation of "sound out" - To say the sounds that form a word, one by one, in order to understand or make someone understand how a word is pronounced.

Often appears as...

  • sound out words
  • sound out syllables

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "sound out"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Phonetic Breakdown

Divide unknown words into smaller parts to decode them.

Illustration for Phonetic Breakdown
To improve reading, she would sound out each syllable.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Reading Aloud

Practicing sounding out loud reinforces correct pronunciation.

Illustration for Reading Aloud
Johnny sounded out the word 'encyclopedia' loudly in class.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Clarification Tool

Use it to clarify pronunciation when learning new vocabulary.

Illustration for Clarification Tool
During her Spanish lesson, she sounded out 'biblioteca' carefully.
Visual representation of the word "Sound out"

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