How, in GOD'S NAME, does one pronounce Wolf-Rayet

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the pronunciation of "Rayet" in "Wolf-Rayet star," specifically seeking clarity on the accepted French pronunciation. Participants share their personal experiences and preferences regarding how to pronounce the term.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest various pronunciations, including "Ray-ay," "Ray-et," "Ry-yet," and "Ry-eee."
  • One participant argues for the French pronunciation "Rayet," stating it should rhyme with "I say," while also noting the importance of considering the audience's expectations.
  • Another participant expresses a preference for the pronunciation "ray-eee," based on their French language background, while acknowledging that names can be exceptions.
  • A participant simply states their preference as "Ray-et."
  • One participant comments on the variety of responses, suggesting that any pronunciation may be acceptable.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the pronunciation, with multiple competing views presented and no clear agreement on the accepted form.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that pronunciation can vary based on personal experience and audience, and that names may not always follow standard pronunciation rules.

Astrofiend
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How, in GOD'S NAME, does one pronounce "Wolf-Rayet"

Very simple question - how is "Rayet" as in "Wolf-Rayet star" pronounced? I've heard:

- "Ray-ay"
- "Ray-et"
- "Ry-yet"
- "Ry-eee"

Somebody must know what the accepted French pronunciation is!
 
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Astrofiend said:
Very simple question - how is "Rayet" as in "Wolf-Rayet star" pronounced? I've heard:

- "Ray-ay"
- "Ray-et"
- "Ry-yet"
- "Ry-eee"

Somebody must know what the accepted French pronunciation is!

I say there! If what I want is the French pronunciation, then I say Rayet to rhyme with "I say".

Sometimes French pronunciation can sound affected though, so try to gauge your audience and pronounce it the way they expect and feel comfortable with.

Do you give Einstein the German pronunciation with a big juicy "shtein"? Or do you use the anglicized "stein"?
 
Last edited:


Yeah - got to say I love to go the big 'shtein' there...
 


hi there,

i learned french in school and i would pronounce it "ray-eee", the a sounds like in gras with an GB accent. It should be this way because most words in french that end with et are pronounced "eee". But its difficult to say cause names are special cases in every country. so it could also be "ray-et".

just pronounce it as borat would and everybody will think its aaaight ;)
 


Astrofiend said:
"Ray-et"

That's how I pronounce it.
 


Hmmm - three replies and three different answers! I guess that any way is fine!
 

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