aloud
UK: əˈlaʊd | US: əˈlaʊd
adv. in a voice loud enough to be heard; not silently or in a whisper
The word "aloud" originated in Middle English as a combination of the prefix "a-" (meaning "on" or "in," derived from Old English) and "loud" (from Old English "hlūd," meaning "audible" or "noisy"). The prefix "a-" here functions as an intensifier, turning "loud" into an adverbial form. Over time, "aloud" evolved to specifically mean "in a voice that can be heard," distinguishing it from silent reading or whispering. The logic is straightforward: "on/in a loud manner" → "audibly."
She read the poem aloud to the class.
Please speak aloud so everyone can hear you.
He laughed aloud at the joke.
The teacher asked the students to repeat the words aloud.
Thinking aloud can help clarify your ideas.