As a general rule, language experts regard any common pronunciation as, by definition, "correct". However there are exceptions, notably those that are clearly the result of simple ignorance, especially words that are imported into the worldwide English language from a particular area.
Please note: the list below should only include words that are both commonly pronounced in different ways, and for which there is a clear correct pronunciation which applies to all versions of English. (There is also a list of words with disputed pronunciations.)
word | mispronunciation | correct pronunciation, notes |
Antarctica | an-TAR-tika | ant-ARK-tika is correct |
minute (adjective) | like minute (noun) | my-NOOT or my-NYOOT or mi-NYOOT |
mores | morz | correct pronunciation is MOR-AYS (both syllables equally stressed) |
indict[?] | in-DICT | generally accepted English pronunciation: in-DYT |
Moray | MURR-ay | when referring to the place in Scotland. Note that the "moray" in moray eel[?] has a different etymology and is pronounced mo-RAY. |
pianist | PEE-ann-ist | pee-ANN-ist |
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