1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To discreetly enquire about someone's opinions or intentions before making a formal approach.
"The party leader quietly sounded out senior colleagues before announcing the new policy."
separable
sound out
B2 neutral separable transitive
To discreetly investigate someone's opinions, intentions, or availability before making a decision or proposal.
In plain English
To carefully ask someone what they think about something before you do it officially.
What does "sound out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To pronounce the individual sounds or letters of a word, especially when learning to read.
"If you don't know the word, try to sound it out letter by letter."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To produce a sound going outward — the figurative 'probe discreetly' sense is an idiomatic leap.
Actually means
To carefully ask someone what they think about something before you do it officially.
Usage tip
Common in both British and American English, especially in business, politics, and diplomatic contexts. Can also mean to pronounce each sound of a word individually, especially when teaching reading.
Words that pair with "sound out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
opinion colleagues investors voters potential client idea
How to conjugate "sound out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sound out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sounds out
he/she/it
Past simple
sounded out
yesterday
Past participle
sounded out
have + pp
-ing form
sounding out
continuous
Hear "sound out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "sound out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "sound out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.