is there any difference between the pronunciations of fiance and fiancee

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Jackson6612  #324193  Sun, 04 Feb 07 05:52 PM
Dictionary pronounces both ''fiance'' and ''fiancee'' in the same way. Isn't there any difference because fiancee has an extra e as compared to fiance?
  
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Marvin A.  #324254  Sun, 04 Feb 07 07:14 PM
They are both French loanwords. The "e" has an acute accent on it in both. In French, adding an "e" changes the gender of the word, but in this case does not affect the pronunciation.

Thus, both are pronounced: [ fiAnseI ]
  
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Jackson6612  #324284  Sun, 04 Feb 07 08:49 PM

Dear Marvin,

I am sorry to say but I think now I must let you know so that you can help me in much better way. I always find your way of pronunciation very difficult to understand. Please don't mind anything. I really love people like you who help others. I'm just trying to tell you that I just find your method is somewhat obscure to me. Take care.

  
Marius Hancu  #324291  Sun, 04 Feb 07 09:18 PM
No distinction.

See if you understand the phonetic transcription given here:

http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/fiance

  
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Kooyeen  #324303  Sun, 04 Feb 07 09:30 PM
Hi Jackson,
I think Marvin uses SAMPA for phonetic transcription, here is the chart for English:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAMPA_chart_for_English

Unfortunately, many dictionaries use their own ways to show phonetic transcription (like Merriam-Webster), so you better check the pronunciation guide every time you are not sure what transcriptions mean.

Smile [:)]
  
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Grammar Geek  #324312  Sun, 04 Feb 07 09:39 PM

Jackson, I have heard them both said as either:

fee-YAWN-say or fee-awn-SAY, but the same person would use the same pronunciation for both. I guess it's just a regional thing.

  
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New2grammar  #324677  Mon, 05 Feb 07 04:16 PM

Do you call a person fiance/fiancee after marriage registration or wedding ceremony (the oath and exchanging rings)?

  
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Marvin A.  #324685  Mon, 05 Feb 07 04:20 PM
>> Do you call a person fiance/fiancee after marriage registration or wedding ceremony <<

After marriage, they're man and wife. It's after the proposal, that they're [ fiAnseI ] .
  
nona the brit  #324687  Mon, 05 Feb 07 04:22 PM

Neither. People are called this when they are 'engaged' - they have decided to get married. They are people who are going to get married in the future.

When the marriage ceremony and registration has taken place you are no longer engaged, you are married, and so husband and wife.

  
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