sound out
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle out
Meanings
Test someone's opinion
Why “out”? Something comes into the open. People can see it, know it, or understand it.
“I'll sound him out about the plan.”
“She sounded out the team first.”
Don't confuse with
Sound out means test someone's opinion. Sound off means express opinions loudly and at length, especially complaints.
Test yourself
“I'll sound him out about the plan.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
sound off
A contrast learners often mix up
Express opinions loudly and at length, especially complaints
act out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Perform a scene, story, or plan with actions; Express feelings through aggressive or attention-seeking behaviour
bail out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Rescue someone, especially financially
bear out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Provide evidence that confirms what someone has said
blast out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Play music extremely loudly through speakers
break out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
(of war, fire or disease) start suddenly
bring out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Make a quality or feature more obvious; Publish or launch a new product; Cause a particular response or behaviour in someone; Take something out of a container or place to show it; Encourage a shy person to be more confident
burst out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Suddenly start crying, laughing or shouting; Say something suddenly and forcefully; Leave a place suddenly and forcefully; (of a sound or song) suddenly begin loudly
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