on February 5, 2011 7:06 pm How many of you share this pet peeve of mine? -- people who say "mature" as ma -- tour. I have heard enough educated people say this, and dictionaries DO list both pronunciations, so it is evidently considered a "correct" pronunciation. But it's not the way I am used to, and to me, it sounds like an affectation. After all, how many of you would pronounce the following words with the "tour" ending instead of a "choor" ending? Tony Learn: The Oxford Dictionary of English says the t in 'often' can be silent or pronounced. It may not be easy on your ear but its legitimate. Michael on February 5, 2011 8:53 pm Tony Hearn: The Oxford Dictionary of English says the t in 'often' can be silent or pronounced. It may not be easy on your ear but its legitimate. abby: Not sure I'm with you entirely. Some on your list would receive a somewhat more crisp pronunciation from yours truly. At least, I wouldn't say the full 'ch' sound but somewhere between there and a 't'. venqax: My colours are still flying from your mast. Michael on February 5, 2011 8:54 pm Apologies for the repetition. 'Smart' phone. Michael on February 5, 2011 10:59 pm Venqax: I've encountered more than a few of Canadian 'leftenants'. Seems to be standard pronunciation for 'lieutenant' in the Canadian Forces. Good point abby. I think it falls under the general rule, again, that English has rules,