sound out

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To question and listen attentively in order to discover a person's opinion, intent, or preference, especially by using indirect conversational remarks.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Khảo sát ý kiến của ai đó bằng cách hỏi và lắng nghe

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

You'll have to ask them—sound them out.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To pronounce a word or phrase by articulating each of its letters or syllables slowly in sequence.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Ngôn ngữ hóa từ hoặc cụm từ bằng cách phát âm từng chữ cái hoặc âm tiết

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To speak or sing loudly, to call out.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Nói to hoặc hát to, kêu to

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “sound out” mean?

To question and listen attentively in order to discover a person's opinion, intent, or preference, especially by using indirect conversational remarks.

Is “sound out” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.