sound out

To say a word slowly, making its separate sounds to work out how to read it.

• Try to sound out this word.
• The children sounded out each name slowly.
• She is learning to sound words out by herself.

How to use it: sound out a word (Try to sound out the word before asking for help.)

Similar words: read phonetically

Common phrases: sound out words, sound something out, sound out names

To talk to someone carefully to find out what they think or want.

• Let us sound her out first.
• I sounded out my colleagues about the new schedule.
• Have you sounded him out on the idea?

How to use it: sound someone out about something (I sounded her out about joining our team.); sound someone out on something (We sounded him out on the proposed changes.)

Similar words: consult, feel out

Common phrases: sound someone out, sound out colleagues

To speak, call, or sing in a loud, clear voice.

• The singers sound out together.
• He sounded out a greeting across the hall.
• Her voice sounded out clearly above the crowd.

Similar words: call out, sing out

Common phrases: sound out loudly, sound out together, sound out a song