Several weeks ago I posted about ten words from A through E that are commonly mispronounced. This post continues with some words from F through J that are often mispronounced:
foliage — The word has three syllables. Say FO-LI-UJ, not FOL-UJ. And certainly not FOIL-UJ.
forte — There are two words spelled this way. One comes from Italian and the other from French. The Italian word is a musical term meaning “loud” and is pronounced with two syllables, FOR-TAY. The French word, an adjective meaning “strength” or “strong point,” is pronounced with one syllable: FORT.
federal — This word should really be pronounced with all its three syllables: FEDERAL, not FED-RAL.
frustrate — Yes, it is frustrating to hear people pronounce this word as if the R were silent. It is FRUSTRATE, not FUS-TRATE.
gala — This word is pronounced GAY-LUH, even if it might sound fancier to pronounce it GAH-LUH.
GIF (graphics interchange format) — Those short social media videos are pronounced with a hard G, not JIF.
gyro– This one is not pronounced like gyroscope, This Greek treat is pronounced YEE-ROH and was added to the dictionary this year.
Halloween – This word derives from “Hallowed Evening,” or “holy evening.” It is not pronounced as HOLLO-WEEN, but rather HALLO-WEEN.
height – Not to be confused with width, which ends in a TH, height ends with only a T. It is HEIGHT, NOT HEIGHTH.
heinous — Meaning very bad, the word is pronounced HAY-NUS, not HEE-NUS or HEEN-I-US.
hummus — This yummy spread made out of chickpeas is pronounced HOOM-US. There is not HUMMING in it.
jewelry – The word has three syllables and is pronounced the way it is spelled: JEW-EL-RY. It is not pronounced JEW-EL-ER-Y, JEWL-RY, or JEW-LER-Y.
HAPPY EASTER, HAPPY PASSOVER, OR HAPPY WEEKEND TO ALL!
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Both are terrific reminders for correct pronunciation, Arlene. Thanks!
Thank you!
The English spelling, “jewellery”, is also pronounced JEW-EL-RY, not JEW-LER-Y.
Thanks! I didn’t know there was a different spelling!
I’m so glad you included “forte” in your list. Its usage as “strength” (FORT) is so universally mispronounced that I find myself hesitant to pronounce it correctly when I say it.
I have used it incorrectly. I admit it. Good thing I don’t use the word very often!
Balinese and Sundanese tend to pronounce VESPA as PESPA.
What do you think?
I would think that something in their language makes it more customary to pronounce it that way??
Really? Hummus is pronounced HOOM-US? This is news to me, a fan of hummus. Live and learn.
That is what I read. I pronounce it halfway between Hoomis and Hummus.
I pronounce it the way Israelis say it: with the “ch” as if you’re clearing your throat. “Choomus”
I think I say it that way too sometimes!