How is the word `bonhomie' pronounced?
There are several ways of pronouncing this word. I will deal with just two of them. One way is to pronounce the first `o' like the `o' in `pot', `got', and `hot', and the second `o' like the `a' in `china'. The final `ie' sounds like the `i' in `bit', `kit', and `sit'. The word, in this case, is pronounced `BO-ne-mi' with the stress on the first syllable. Some people pronounce the first `o' like the `a' in `bath', `path', and `ask', and the second like the `a' in `china'. They pronounce the final `ie' like the `ee' in `feel', `peel', and `heel'. The word is pronounced `baa-ne-MEE' with the stress on the final syllable. Either way, the `h' remains silent. This word of French origin literally means `good (bon) man (homme)'. The word is mostly used in formal contexts to mean `happy, good natured friendliness.'
* The cheerful bonhomie displayed by the rival candidates surprised everyone.
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