Pronunciation Poise: Short-lived
In American English, what is the traditionally correct way to pronounce the "i" in "short-lived"? (Hint: Think about what word "lived" comes from in the word below.)
lyeved (rhymes with "dyed")
leevd (rhymes with "sleeved")
livd (rhymes with "gived")
The correct answer is "lyeved." "Short-lived" is best pronounced with a long "i" because "lived" comes from "life" and the sense of "having a short life," not from the verb "live" and "living a short time." However, the "livd" pronunciation has become predominant and completely acceptable in American English. This pronunciation is also the standard one in British English.