When And Why Did The Pronunciation Of The Word Respite Change?

2

2 Answers

John Nawrocki Profile
John Nawrocki answered
I'm not sure that the pronunciation changed, it is probably more a matter of accent or colloquialism. There might actually be a "re-spite" meaning to spite again, but probably not. --> Respite "res-pit" is from the old French word "respit", which is from Latin "respectus" refuge, looking back.
thanked the writer.
bill sheehy
bill sheehy commented
Yes ... I researched various dictionaries and discovered the same information. To be honest, I have to admit this question originated from my frustration for hearing more and more people, in my view, mispronounce the word. Nothing I can do about it, not until I take over the world and make it all better. (Don't worry, I'm only joking!) Thanks.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
In fact, the modern development in field of science and technology and especially in Information Technology has affected all areas of life and language as well. Due to its influence on our daily life we started to use the language which is more easy to speak and we speak it without caring the pronunciations. We just want to communicate message that's why not only many pronunciations have been changed but spellings of many words have also been altered. For example "colour" and "color". Similarly we tend to you abbreviations instead of complete word that is why some words are also mispronounced. And that's the reason.
thanked the writer.
bill sheehy
bill sheehy commented
Actually the spelling of the word has little if anything to do with its pronunciation. People are, in my view, simply attempting to be politically correct. As far as the spelling of words such as 'colour' and 'color' one would have to research word usage following the American Revolution for the reason for that. Thank you anyhow ...
John Nawrocki
John Nawrocki commented
I believe that both colour and color are correct and both in use today. Americans spell color other english speaking countries spell colour. In his first american dictionary, Noah Webster decided to simplify the language (might have something to do with a dislike for the British). So, he unstressed -our (favour, flavour, colour, savour) became -or (favor, flavor, color, savor), the few -re endings in British spelling (centre, metre, litre, manoeuvre) became -er (center, meter, liter, maneuver), and -ce (defence, offence, pretence) became -se (defense, offense, pretense).

Answer Question

Anonymous