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sonder

to probe, to sound out

verb sohn-DEH Rare
Communication Questions

Also means

to survey (opinion)

Usage Note

Sonder is used both literally (probing a wound or water depth) and figuratively (gauging someone's intentions or public opinion). The related noun un sondage means a poll or survey, and un sondeur is a pollster. The word shares no relation to the English neologism 'sonder'.

Examples

"Il a sondé l'opinion des habitants."

Natural Translation

He sounded out the opinion of the residents.

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