Quiz

BuzzFeed Staff

BuzzFeed

Do You Know How To Pronounce These Common Words?

Yeah, it's pronounced [exactly like "controller,"](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comptroller) which is just downright confusing.

You may not know it from the most recent election cycle, but emphasis should be on [the second syllable](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electoral), not the third — and it's never "electorial."

The "e" at the end is \*technically\* only pronounced when talking about music. Otherwise, [it's silent](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forte). Confusing!!!

You're supposed to [say the word "jewel" and add a "ry" at the end](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jewelry). Say it enough times and it'll start to not sound like a word at all.

Regardless of [its pronunciation,](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mauve) it's a lovely color.

Don't leave out [that third syllable](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miniature)!

[The "t" is silent](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/often), apparently.

It sounds so wrong, and yet [it's so right](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prelude).

It's simply rude to [pronounce "ruse" incorrectly](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruse).

[It doesn't have a second "r,"](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sherbet) and it's never had a second "r," and yet most people throw one in there. How did that happen?!

Technically, both are acceptable, but [the proper pronunciation](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valet) is definitely not what most people would expect.

Get this: 
[Based on this](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zoology), technically, "zoo" is pronounced "zo." Mind blown.

Rules be damned, you're going to say things the way you want! That's why there's not language police — right???

You know the basics, but goddamn it, sherbet and prelude are hard to say correctly, so you're doing to say them however you darn well please. Harumph.

Well, well, well, look at you, you language whiz. You don't need a quiz to tell you you're on top of the word game, but it certainly doesn't hurt.

About BuzzFeed Community

Community Brand Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community

Sorry, this content is <i>no longer</i> supported.

BuzzFeed Community Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community Leaderboard

BuzzFeed News has breaking stories and original reporting on politics, world news, social media, viral trends, health, science, technology, entertainment, and LGBTQ issues.

All the best animals on the internet. The snuggle is real.

BuzzFeed has breaking news, vital journalism, quizzes, videos, celeb news, Tasty food videos, recipes, DIY hacks, and all the trending buzz you’ll want to share with your friends. Copyright BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved.

BuzzFeed News | Breaking News | Original Reporting | News Analysis

Animal Pictures and Videos - Adorably from BuzzFeed

Name

Thanks for subscribing!

Stay up to date with our latest BuzzFeed video. Enter your email to subscribe!

Oops! Upload an image or add text to submit.

BuzzFeed has the hottest, most social content on the web. We feature breaking buzz and the kinds of things you'd want to pass along to your friends.

Do You Know How To Pronounce These Common Words?

Share This Article