What is "sound out"

vb. 1 (context transitive English) To question and listen attentively in order to discover a person's opinion, intent, or preference, especially by using indirect conversational remarks. 2 (context transitive English) To pronounce a word or phrase by articulate each of its letters or syllables slowly in sequence. 3 (context intransitive English) To speak or sing loudly, to call out.

1. v. speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way; "She pronounces French words in a funny way"; "I cannot say `zip wire'"; "Can the child sound out this complicated word?" [syn: pronounce, articulate, enounce, enunciate, say]

2. try to learn someone's opinions and intentions; "I have to sound out the new professor" [syn: check out, feel out]