pronunciation
UK[prəˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən]US[prəˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən]
n
The way in which a word or language is spoken.
Morpheme Breakdown
pro
nunci
ation
pro
forth, forward, before
nunci
ation
Etymology
The word 'pronunciation' has a direct lineage from Latin. It originates from the verb 'pronuntiare', meaning "to proclaim, announce, or utter". This verb itself is a compound of 'pro-' (forth) and 'nuntiare' (to announce). The core concept is the act of bringing forth or declaring words aloud. Over time, through Old French 'prononciation', the term entered Middle English, gradually specializing from the general act of declaring to the specific manner or accepted standard of articulating speech sounds and words.
Analysis
Structure: pro + nunci + ation
- pro- (Latin): A prefix meaning "forth, forward, before".
- nunci (Latin): From the root meaning "to announce, declare, report".
- ation (Latin via French): A noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process, or its result.
Examples
His pronunciation of the technical terms was very clear.
The online dictionary provides an audio guide for pronunciation.
She worked hard to improve her English pronunciation.