1 [+ obj] a : to make the sound of (a word or letter) with your voice
▪ She practices pronouncing foreign words. ▪ The “k” in “know” is not pronounced. [=the “k” in “know” is silent]
b : to say or speak (a word) correctly
▪ I'm sorry. I can't pronounce your name. 2 [+ obj] formal a : to say or announce (something) in an official or formal way
▪ The priest pronounced a blessing on their home. ▪ The judge pronounced sentence. [=stated the punishment for a criminal]
b : to say or state that (someone or something) is something in usually an official or definite way
▪ After reviewing the replay of the race's finish, the horse was pronounced the winner. [=was declared to be the winner] ▪ I now pronounce you man and wife. [=I now declare that you are married] ▪ She pronounced the party a success. [=she said that the party was a success] ▪ The doctors pronounced him fit to go back to work. ▪ He was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. 3 [no obj] formal a : to state an opinion on something — + on or upon ▪ As a grammarian, he freely pronounces on questions of proper English. ▪ The senator pronounced upon the major issues in the election.
b : to give a judgment for or against someone or something
▪ Many senators are pronouncing in favor of the bill. ▪ The judge pronounced for/against the defendant.