I thought (incorrectly) that the noun was pronounced CaribBEan and the adjective, CaRIBbean.

But here's what the dictionary says.

Quote:
USAGE There are two possible pronunciations of the word Caribbean, and both are used widely and acceptably in the U.S. In the Caribbean itself, the preferred pronunciation puts the stress on the -rib-. In Britain, speakers more often put the stress on the -be-, although in recent years, the other pronunciation has gained ground in Britain as the more 'up-to-date' and, to some, the more 'correct' pronunciation.

Last edited by Hydra; 12/26/2007 6:06 AM.