Pronunciation of ‘K’ in English Language
In Old English, the word knight was "cniht". The K sound used to be pronounced until the 17th century. But the K-N combination is difficult to say. So over time the K disappeared.
Silent Partners in Business
A silent partner shares money for partial company ownership. Silent partners have limited risk, only losing what they paid.
Influence of Latin and French on Silent ‘K’
The K in "knight" was once pronounced. In Germanic languages, the K is still heard. The K in "know" is silent. "Know" doesn’t sound like "now". Some researchers think Latin and French in this period led to the silent K in "knife".
Silent ‘K’ Rule Exceptions
The K is silent before N at the start of words, like "knife". This is from Germanic languages. There are few exceptions.
Pronunciation Query
How do you pronounce the word kiosk?