verb (v)

• speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way(verb.communication)

  Example:
  Can the child sound out this complicated word?.
  

  Synonym:
  articulate, enounce, enunciate, pronounce, say
  

  source: wordnet30
• try to learn someone's opinions and intentions(verb.communication)

  Example:
  I have to sound out the new professor.
  

  Synonym:
  check out, feel out
  

  source: wordnet30