sound out

sound out (http://definr.com/sound out)

     v 1: speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way; "She pronounces
          French words in a funny way"; "I cannot say `zip wire'";
          "Can the child sound out this complicated word?" [syn: pronounce,
           articulate, enounce, enunciate, say]
     2: try to learn someone's opinions and intentions; "I have to
        sound out the new professor" [syn: check out, feel out]