pronunciation - Why is "service" pronounced the way it is?


Why is service pronounced the way it is and not like device even though the last 4 letters of the words are identical?


I would think that if they end the same way, the same pronunciation rules should apply as well.


I also checked Wiktionary.org and it says both words evolved from Old French where 'service' originated from 'servis' and 'device' originated from 'devis'. Again identical end of the word spelling.



Answer



I believe this is due to the Great Vowel Shift.


In Middle English the "i" in device used to be prounounced as in service but later shifted to a /ai/ diphtong because it was bearing the stress.


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