Word: pronounced (adjective / verb - past tense of "pronounce")

Associations

The word "pronounced" can be used in two main ways:

1. As the past tense of the verb "pronounce," which means to say a word or sound correctly.

   • Example: She pronounced the French word perfectly. (She said the word correctly.)
   • Example: The teacher pronounced the student's name slowly. (The teacher said the name.)
   • Example: He pronounced the sentence clearly. (He spoke the sentence aloud.)

2. As an adjective, "pronounced" means very noticeable or clearly defined.

   • Example: There was a pronounced difference between the two paintings. (The difference was very clear.)
   • Example: She has a pronounced accent. (Her accent is very strong or easy to notice.)
   • Example: The change in weather was quite pronounced. (The change was obvious.)

Synonym difference:

• When used as an adjective, "pronounced" is similar to "obvious" or "clear," but "pronounced" often suggests something is strongly or sharply noticeable.

Substitution

• As a verb (past tense of "pronounce"): you can use "said," "articulated," "enunciated," or "spoke," but "pronounced" focuses on saying words correctly.
• As an adjective (meaning noticeable): you can use "clear," "obvious," "marked," or "distinct," but "pronounced" often implies a stronger or sharper difference.

Deconstruction

• The root word is "pronounce," which comes from Latin "pronuntiare," meaning "to proclaim" or "to speak."
• The suffix "-ed" makes it past tense (verb) or an adjective describing something that has been made noticeable or said.
• So, "pronounced" originally means "spoken out" or "clearly stated," which fits both uses.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you pronounced a new word for the first time? How did it feel?
• Have you noticed a pronounced change in your environment or feelings recently? What was it?
• When someone has a "pronounced" accent, how does that affect communication? Is it easy or difficult to understand?