primer` - 11/05/03 08:28 PM
David Copperfield speaks of the first book he used to learn to read as a "primer". This word has a special pronunciation in American English that I could not find in any dictionary.
The American Heritage® Book of English Usage.
A Practical and Authoritative Guide to Contemporary English. 1996.
7. Pronunciation Challenges: Confusions and Controversy
§ 150. primer
This word, meaning “a small textbook used to teach reading,” is usually pronounced with a short i, rhyming with dimmer, in American English. A variant pronunciation with a long i, as in prime, occurs chiefly in British English. 1
The American Heritage® Book of English Usage.
A Practical and Authoritative Guide to Contemporary English. 1996.
7. Pronunciation Challenges: Confusions and Controversy
§ 150. primer
This word, meaning “a small textbook used to teach reading,” is usually pronounced with a short i, rhyming with dimmer, in American English. A variant pronunciation with a long i, as in prime, occurs chiefly in British English. 1