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Amber Liu
Why "t" becomes silent here?
I just got to know a new brand "Home Depot". But why the "t" in the word "depot" does not make any sound? Or I heard it wrongly (it actually makes sound but just too soft)? Any other examples?
Feb 26, 2016 2:48 AM
Answers · 8
4
You're right, the "t" is silent in the word "depot". The answer to why is that English spelling and pronunciation make exceptionally little sense^^ And English also draws from a lot of other languages. "depot" comes from French, where the "t" is silent. Some other words originating from French like this are:
ballet
buffet
chalet
crochet
gourmet
valet
debut
February 26, 2016
2
We stole that word from French (along with many others), so we followed their pronunciation and kept the spelling.
February 26, 2016
2
You heard correctly. I found this site with more examples: http://evaeaston.com/sl-pat-td.html
February 26, 2016
Bouquet, Croquet, Escargot, Tarot, Denouement, Beret, Fillet, Chalet, Gourmet, Merlot, Cabaret, Cachet, Sobriquet, Rapport, Rapprochement, Ricochet. Here's a game :) http://www.jetpunk.com/user-quizzes/25596/vocabulary-words-ending-in-silent-t Also, https://pronunciationstudio.com/silent-t/
February 26, 2016
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Amber Liu
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English
Learning Language
English
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