etymology - Why is "conquer" pronounced /'kɔŋkɚ/ and not /'kɔŋkwɚ/?


In English "qu" is always used as a digraph.


The letters "que" represent the sound [k] at the ending of many words: unique, technique, antique, physique, clique, grotesque.


However, the combination "qu" has the sound [kw] instead of [k] at the beginning and in the middle of many English words: queen, quarter, quite, quiet, question, squad, squirrel, require, inquire.


Then, why is the "qu" in conquer pronounced [k]?


Would it be c+on+qu+er or c+on+que+r?


Is it anything to do with its Middle English form?


Origin of "conquer":



1200–50; Middle English conqueren < Anglo-French conquerir, Old French conquerre < Vulgar Latin *conquērere to acquire (for Latin conquīrere to seek out). (Dictionary.com Unabridged)





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