| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
christina_nguyen
Joined: 12 Oct 2005
Posts: 120
|
 Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2009 7:50 pm Post subject: Route |
 |
|
Is that right that there are 2 ways to pronounce ROUTE? Is there a specific case where one pronunciation is preferred over the other?
Thanks for answering my question  |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
dragn
Joined: 17 Feb 2009
Posts: 450
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2009 9:57 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| Is that right that there are 2 ways to pronounce ROUTE? Is there a specific case where one pronunciation is preferred over the other? |
Yes. The word route can rhyme with "boot" or it can rhyme with "out." There is no difference in meaning, and I am hard pressed to think of a single situation where one pronunciation is universally preferred over the other by all native speakers. I doubt if one exists.
One pronunciation may be preferred over the other in various regions throughout the US, and often both are routinely heard in an area. Sometimes the same individual may use both on different occasions.
Personally, I grew up in central Illinois where more people tend to say route as rhyming with "out" than as rhyming with "boot."
However, you are free to choose. 
Greg |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
redset
Joined: 18 Mar 2006
Posts: 582
Location: England
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 4:50 pm Post subject: |
|
|
In British English it rhymes with 'boot'.
As far as preference goes with British English, when you pronounce route it so it rhymes with 'out' it sounds like another word: rout. There are two devices called routers - one which you connect to computers so they can communicate and use the Internet (pronounced 'r-oot-er'), and a machine you use to cut detail into material like wood (pronounced 'r-out-er'). A British English speaker will probably be able to work out what you mean, but there is the potential for confusion! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
christina_nguyen
Joined: 12 Oct 2005
Posts: 120
|
| Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 11:26 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Thanks Greg and redset! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
CP
Joined: 12 Jun 2006
Posts: 2875
Location: California
|
| Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 12:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
In Southern California, at least, most people pronounce route as "root" for highways and driving directions--What route are you taking? Oh, Route 66, of course.
But we usually pronounce it as "rout" for delivery routes--paper routes, mail routes, UPS routes, etc.
The "root" pronunciation is French, and "en route" means "on the way" in French. Most Americans pronounce that phrase "in root" or "on root," the latter a little closer to the French pronunciation. Perversely, police officers always pronounce it "in rout," which is doubly irritating.
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
