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sound

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verb American English pronunciation: sound /saʊnd/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theysound
he/she/itsounds
present participlesounding
past tensesounded
past participlesounded
Other entries for this word
 
  1. 1
    [linking verb] to seem good, bad, interesting, exciting, etc. according to what you have heard, read, or know

    A cup of tea sounds perfect.

    sound like:

    Costa Rica sounds like a great place for a relaxing vacation.

    it sounds as if/as though:

    It sounds as if he's never home.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of sound
  2. 2
    to show a particular emotion or quality in your voice

    He always sounds too busy to talk.

    sound like:

    I don't want to sound like I'm complaining, but this plan is unfair.

    sound as if/as though:

    It sounds as if you're getting a cold.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of sound
  3. 3
    [intransitive] to produce a sound

    The sirens sounded, warning of a tornado.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of sound
    1. a.
      [transitive] to make something produce a sound

      Trains are required to sound their whistles as they approach a crossing.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of sound
  4. 4
    [transitive] to pronounce a particular letter in a word

    He has trouble sounding the letter "r."

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of sound
  5. 5
    to express a particular reaction to a situation, idea, or event
    sound a positive/hopeful/confident note:

    Officials sounded a hopeful note about finding the funding for the new school.

    sound a note of caution/warning:

    A recovery in sales has been reported but most retailers have sounded a note of caution.

    sound a warning/alarm (=inform people of a danger):

    The program hopes to sound an early warning to teenagers about the dangers of smoking.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of sound

phrase

phrasal verbs

This is the American English definition of sound. View British English definition of sound.

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