Why is the military rank of Colonel pronounced Kernel but spelled so strangely?

Question

Why is Colonel spelled like that but pronounced Kernel?

Answer 1

The word used to be spelled "coronell" (Middle French, years 1400-1600 ) which came from the word "colonnella"( Italian for colonel). The English spelling was modified to conform with the Italian spelling but the French pronunciation was kept.

Answer 2

In modern English, the word Colonel is pronounced similarly to kernel (of grain) as a result of having entered the language from Middle French in two competing forms, dissimilated coronel and colonel. The more conservative spelling colonel was favored in written use and eventually became the standard spelling even as it lost out in pronunciation to coronel.

Answer 3

Jonathan ... My dictionary says its origins are French. The old French spelling may have had an effect on the modern-day pronunciation.

By the way ... Have you figured out why it's spelled "light" or "bright" ... "phone" instead of "fone" ... and many, many others?

Answer 4

Because it's a French word, and the French can't spell.

Answer 5

Because of it's Etymology: Alteration of obsolete coronel, from French, from Old Italian colonello, from diminutive of colonna, column of soldiers, from Latin columna, column.

Answer 6

Why does Hawaii have an Interstate? Some things just are.

Answer 7

it's french. and it has to be pronounced this way.