How is colonel pronounced in Britain?
So, the written form of the word (colonel) and the spoken (“kernel”) were both being used. In English, a combination won out. Colonel was spelled c-o-l-o-n-e-l but pronounced “kernel.”
Why is colonel pronounced kernel?
This was because the rank was bestowed upon the commander of a column of troops. This word was then adopted by the French, who translated the term in their own language, converted the word ‘colonnello’ to the word ‘coronel’. This is the reason why ‘colonel’ is pronounced ‘kernel’.
What is the silent letter in colonel?
silent l
The most indecent of the silent l words is surely colonel. The word sounds identical to kernel, which is an honorable, respectfully spelled word. L is also silent in could, should, would, as well as in calf and half, and in chalk, talk, walk, and for many people in calm, palm, and psalm.
Why is colonel spelled weird?
“Colonel” came to English from the mid-16th-century French word coronelle, meaning commander of a regiment, or column, of soldiers. By the mid-17th century, the spelling and French pronunciation had changed to colonnel. The English spelling also changed, and the pronunciation was shortened to two syllables.
Why do the British pronounce lieutenant with an F?
The Oxford English Dictionary states the pronunciation is “difficult to explain,” but suggests the old French word originally had a “w” sound at the end of the first syllable, and that eventually got confused with an “f” or a “v” and created the British way of saying the word.
Why do British pronounce clerk as Clark?
Originally Answered: Why do the British pronounce clerk as Clark? Clark, that is erroneous pronunciation, where by word “learn” becomes “larn” and this way British pronounce the word clerk as Clark.
Why do Brits say Zed?
The British and others pronounce “z”, “zed”, owing to the origin of the letter “z”, the Greek letter “Zeta”. This gave rise to the Old French “zede”, which resulted in the English “zed” around the 15th century.
How is colonel pronounced in English?
English colonel is pronounced the same as kernel. This seems odd, but there is an explanation. In many languages when a word contains two identical or similar sounds, one of these sounds will often change over a period of time.
Why did the French change the word colonel to Coronel?
The French also took this word from the Italians. But when they added it to their language, they changed the word “colonnelo” to “coronel.” Language experts say this is because the French wanted to have the “r” sound in the word, instead of the two “l” sounds. Finally, let’s not forget Spain.
Does the word “colonel” come from origin or evolution?
In fact, both origin and evolution are involved in the pronunciation of the word “colonel.” First, what does “colonel” mean? A colonel is a military official. In the United States, it can mean an officer in the Army, Air Force or Marine Corps.
What is the difference between a colonel and a kernel?
A colonel is a military official. In the United States, it can mean an officer in the Army, Air Force or Marine Corps. Colonel is spelled c-o-l-o-n-e-l. So, why do Americans say colonel as if it is spelled k-e-r-n-e-l? Adding to the confusion is that “kernel” is a word of its own and one that has several meanings.