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Which is correct nuclear or nucular?
Nucular is a common, prescribed-against pronunciation of the word “nuclear”. It is a rough phonetic spelling of /ˈnjuːkjələr/. The Oxford English Dictionary’s entry dates the word’s first published appearance to 1943.
What is the most wrongly pronounced words?
Here are 20 of the most commonly mispronounced words in English, and how to say them right.
- 1 Pronunciation. Ironically, many people mispronounce this word!
- 2 Cupboard.
- 3 Epitome.
- 4 Salmon/almond.
- 5 Library/February.
- 6 Definitely.
- 7 Ask.
- 8 Wednesday.
How do British pronounce nuclear?
The word “nuclear” is pronounced differently in different English-speaking regions of the world.” In the United States, the word is pronounced “NEW-klee-er” with the emphasis on the first syllable. However, in the United Kingdom, the word is pronounced “New-KLEE-ah” with the emphasis on the second syllable.
Why is nuclear pronunciation wrong?
Some people defend the pronunciation as a regional variation, in the same vein as the southern U.S. use of nother for other, as in, “That’s a whole nother thing.” Others say nuclear is just too hard to pronounce the proper way.
Why do people mispronounce the word nuclear?
It’s hardly a new pronunciation — the ”Oxford English Dictionary’s” first example is from 1943, or around the time that nuclear was becoming a familiar word to nonscientists. A driving reason is that it’s so common among people who hold prominent positions in society.
Why do they say nucular?
‘ ” Nunberg’s theory is that certain otherwise educated people choose to say “nucular” because it sounds folksy or, more ominous, because they are in a position of authority and are daring others to correct them.
How did Bush pronounce nuclear?
When speaking about nuclear weapons, George W. Bush invariably pronounces the word “nucular.” Is this an acceptable pronunciation? Not really. Changing “nu-clee-ar” into “nu-cu-lar” is an example of what linguists call metathesis, which is the switching of two adjacent sounds.
Why do so many people mispronounce asterisk?
To most English speakers, the * symbol is called an asterick. Notice that I spelled it without an s because that is exactly how many people pronounce it. For some reason, the little s sound is too difficult to pronounce, so it is simply omitted altogether. It is not a silent sound, however.
Where did the word nuclear come from?
nuclear (adj.) 1841, “of or like the nucleus of a cell,” from nucleus + -ar, probably by influence of French nucléaire. General sense of “central” is from 1912. In atomic physics, “of or belonging to the nucleus of an atom,” from 1914; of weapons deriving their destructive power from nuclear reactions, by 1945.
What is nucleus in English language?
British English: nucleus NOUN /ˈnjuːklɪəs/ The nucleus of an atom or cell is the central part of it. Neutrons and protons are bound together in the nucleus of an atom. American English: nucleus /ˈnukliəs/
What is the meaning and pronunciation of nucleus?
(plural nuclei. /ˈnjuːkliaɪ/ /ˈnuːkliaɪ/ ) (physics) the part of an atom that contains most of its mass and that carries a positive electric charge see also neutron, proton.
Why is there a silent r in February?
Have you ever wondered why February has that random, silent first r? Well, February, like the names of most months, has Latin roots. It descended from Februarius, a month in the ancient Roman calendar. The name actually comes from the festival of februum, a purification ritual celebrated during the month.
How do you pronounce “nuclear”?
Break the word “nuclear” into three syllables. That will help you master the pronunciation. It’s the pronunciation of the second syllable that is in dispute. The most widely accepted correct pronunciation of the word is “NEW-clee-er.” In this case (somewhat unusually), the word is spelled exactly how you are supposed to say it.
What do you mean by nuclear medicine?
nuclear medicine. noun. : a branch of medicine dealing with the use of radioactive materials in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Is there a legitimate basis for determining pronunciation of often and nuclear?
Many people object to those pronunciations of often and nuclear on the basis that they do not conform to the spelling of the word. However, to say “the word is spelled (x), and therefore should be pronounced (y)” doesn’t make any sense. Spelling is not a legitimate basis for determining pronunciation, for the following reasons: 1.
Would Mia Farrow fall in love with a man who pronounce “nucular”?
In the 1989 Woody Allen film “Crimes and Misdemeanors,” Mia Farrow’s character says she would not fall in love with a man who pronounced the word “nucular.” Another version of this is “NOO-kyuh-lur.”