Optional Sounds
When a certain sound is pronounced by some speakers but not by others, the sound is put inside parentheses (round brackets). It is correct to say the word either with or without the sound. For example, the respelled pronunciation of the word fuchsia is "FEW-sh(i)ə". It can either be pronounced "FEW-shi-ə" or "FEW-shə".
Read more about this topic: Pronunciation Respelling Key
Famous quotes containing the words optional and/or sounds:
“Our father presents an optional set of rhythms and responses for us to connect to. As a second home base, he makes it safer to roam. With him as an ally—a love—it is safer, too, to show that we’re mad when we’re mad at our mother. We can hate and not be abandoned, hate and still love.”
—Judith Viorst (20th century)
“Tom: Well, tell me, Gusto, you’re so smart. How could I erase a footprint that looks as if it was left by a heel?
Augusta: Well, that sounds almost human.”
—Billy Wilder (b. 1906)