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The inconsistency in the spelling of "gh" in English words is due to a variety of historical factors, including changes in pronunciation over time, influence from other languages, and the complex history of English spelling conventions. These influences have led to the retention of the "gh" spelling in some words where it no longer corresponds to its original pronunciation or etymology.

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Q: Why is gh spelling inconsistent with etymology?
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Related questions

In the word delight why is the gh spelling inconsistent with etymology?

Perhaps it has been spelt, rightly or wrongly, according to the pattern of light, night, right etc, which probably did have an extra sound (phoneme) in them. This phoneme has now disappeared from the pronunciation of these words but it originally represented a consonant similar to ch [as in loch]. Delight probably has a quite different etymology to the other gh words.


What is the etymology of the word 'discrepant'?

The etymology of the word 'discrepant' is conflicting and inconsistent. Some synonyms of 'discrepant' are different, contrary, divergent and incompatible.


Etymology is not reflected in spelling?

no


Is Etymology reflected in spelling?

Yes


The etymology of a word is sometimes reflected in its spelling?

That is true.


How do you spell enou gh?

Without the space, that is the correct spelling of enough(sufficient).


What does inconsistant mean?

The correct spelling would be "inconsistent" meaning not in agreement, incompatible, contradictory... If you are called "inconsistent" then your behavior is unpredictable.


Is ghoti another way of spelling fish?

Yes and no. It's used to point out the strangeness of English spelling and pronunciation. "gh" as in "enough" = F, "o" as in "women" =I, "ti" as in "emotion" =SH It is NOT an alternate spelling.


When would you most likely to need the etymology of a word?

The times to need the etymology of the word are usually during research. Having this information may often assist with the correct spelling and its meaning.


What do lexicographers do?

Lexicographers study words. Their spelling, pronunciation, meaning or meanings, etymology and derivatives. They write dictionaries.


What do lexicographers study?

Lexicographers study words. Their spelling, pronunciation, meaning or meanings, etymology and derivatives. They write dictionaries.


Words that have deka?

Words that have deka include decathlon, Decalogue, and triskedecaphobia.All of these use a variant spelling, deca, but the etymology is the same.